Author - Hollie Ryder

Postman Bat! Joker Dean dons Caped Crusader outfit for Stansted round

"At times like this, if I can put a smile on people's faces so that they forget about all this for a while, it's worth it," he said.

Isabel Hospice launches emergency appeal in face of estimated £1.6m loss

Isabel Hospice launches emergency appeal in face of estimated £1.6m loss

Hospice's 18 charity shops and eBay site closed and all fundraising events cancelled, so it has no option but to reach out to the community.

Youngsters learn to dance like a 'Cat' for NHS heroes

Youngsters learn to dance like a 'Cat' for NHS heroes

Professional dancer Grace Walker taught youngsters her own version of a Cats the Musical performance with a workshop to raise money for NHS workers.

Takeley fitness trainer runs free online classes that stretch across the globe

Takeley fitness trainer runs free online classes that stretch across the globe

Personal trainer Phil Carpenter has diversified during the coronavirus outbreak, creating an online fitness community that has grown to over 2,300.

Home workouts proving a hit for Body Barre fitness club

25 April 2020

Home workouts proving a hit for Body Barre fitness club

25 April 2020

Vix Stamm, owner of The Body Barre, is running virtual exercise classes from her home and asking people to donate to NHS staffs' wishlist fund

Percy the peacock and friends observe social distancing on wander through Stansted

Percy the peacock and friends observe social distancing on wander through Stansted

The village's peacock pride managed not to ruffle the feathers of curtain-twitching residents on their wander up Grove Hill.

Dancing in the street: Residents of Stortford cul de sac step out for Zumba session

Dancing in the street: Residents of Stortford cul de sac step out for Zumba session

Zumba instructor Petra Bonich organised a street exercise and dance class for neighbours of all ages to boost morale and fitness during lockdown.

Lockdown clear-out could unearth hidden treasure, says auctioneer Sworders

Lockdown clear-out could unearth hidden treasure, says auctioneer Sworders

It's business as usual for the Stansted auctioneers with some interesting lots up for sale, including lace samples from Princess Diana's wedding shoes

Strictly Stortford: 'The dance contest's on hold as we unite to give each other a lift'

21 April 2020

Strictly Stortford: 'The dance contest's on hold as we unite to give each other a lift'

21 April 2020

Indie reporter Hollie Ryder, who with husband Rob is one of the 12 competing couples, reflects on the postponement of the charity fundraiser at Rhodes

The sewing bees in Stansted who are helping to protect NHS staff

18 April 2020

The sewing bees in Stansted who are helping to protect NHS staff

18 April 2020

Abigail Newton heads a team of Stansted seamstresses making drawstring bags for staff's uniforms and needs donations of duvet covers and pillowcases.

Fish and chip shop treats care home residents and staff to free meals

Fish and chip shop treats care home residents and staff to free meals

Dali Fish & Chips in Bishop's Stortford town centre delivered free meals to Hazel End Care Home for a Good Friday treat.

Army of 110 volunteers in Stansted helping villagers in need in coronavirus crisis

Army of 110 volunteers in Stansted helping villagers in need in coronavirus crisis

A co-ordinated community response is ensuring that the elderly and vulnerable in isolation will be looked after in the weeks ahead.

Children's Easter cards bring cheer to elderly and isolated during virus lockdown

12 April 2020

Children's Easter cards bring cheer to elderly and isolated during virus lockdown

12 April 2020

23 artistic youngsters from Much and Little Hadham produced nearly 100 cheery cards for the elderly and isolated in their communities.

Stortford couple stranded in New Zealand desperate to return to family

Stortford couple stranded in New Zealand desperate to return to family

Mandy and David Hood have yet to hold their new-born grandson, while Mandy’s 93-year-old mother is in social isolation at her Hockerill home.

Stansted children of key workers making masks to save their own parents' lives

Stansted children of key workers making masks to save their own parents' lives

Acting head of St Mary's CE primary makes visors at home on four 3D printers, one of which he'll be taking into school so pupils can join in.

Family's 'rainbow sky' tribute to Stansted man with Covid-19 who died on wedding anniversary

Family's 'rainbow sky' tribute to Stansted man with Covid-19 who died on wedding anniversary