The Story of Stort Pride

Way back in 2018, internet searchers for a local LGBT community found a MeetUp group called ‘Trans and Queer in Bishop’s Stortford’. It was set up by a young trans person who wanted to meet others who were coming out, or having difficulties with family, or just wanting supportive sharing chat. It had about 6 members, but met from time to time and grew slowly.

There was a big step forward with the arrival of a couple in the town who brought some sense of organisation and communication. It became ‘Storford LGBTQIA Social’ and grew in number, with informal meet ups, a book group, quiz nights in the Nags Head.

The pandemic period was very difficult, and after a last Saturday coffee in Eat 17, there was was a year and a half of inactivity, with occasional ‘is anybody there?’ shout-outs on the MeetUp site.

One day there was a response – like a breath of fresh air, Chelle Peppiatt emerged from the Covid gloom. Chelle (they/them) realised they identified as gay over the Covid lockdowns period. Chelle has spent several years receiving cancer treatment and had not had a chance to align with their identity. Although there were existing spaces for people to meet in London and Cambridge, Chelle took to finding gay and trans social spaces in and around Bishop’s Stortford – and found the rather dormant MeetUp.

Chelle chatted with others and began to explore the need to build on the MeetUp and identify places to join together regularly – for social enjoyment but also, most importantly, for supportive sharing in safe spaces. Chelle developed a programme of regular meetings, found an accessible and safe meeting place and membership grew.

In the summer of 2021, Bishop’s Stortford held its first Pride event, with a gathering in Sworders Field and a march through the town. A group of dedicated volunteers began to emerge. Three months after Pride finished, Chelle realised that there was no momentum – no groups or spaces started as a result of the Pride day. Chelle knew there was more potential, so they took the initiative to reach out to Bishop’s Stortford people via the Meetup app. Chelle organised a meet-up on the 1st December 2021, and 5 people showed up, but the energy started to flow.

Chelle founded Stort Pride in December 2021 and dedicated their energies to creating a strong community here, with a commitment to ensuring everyone has a place where they truly belong. With invaluable support from Erica, Sam, James and others, Chelle led the way to setting up a community interest company (CIC) which gave Stort Pride a legal constitution, bank account and ability to apply for public funding.

Erica (she/her) joined in 2022 and quickly became involved at the heart of all our events. From the big moments to the behind-the-scenes details, she ensured that everything ran smoothly, safely, and with care. James (he/him) is one of the very first members of Stort Pride, attending events since 2021. He plays a key role in keeping our community connected, whether that’s through coordinating pop-up stalls, supporting local Prides across East Herts, or simply being a friendly face to welcome people in. Alice (they/them) joined the team in 2023 and has become a warm and active presence at our events. Whether they’re helping to run stalls, supporting members, or holding space for others to feel safe and seen, Alice brings kindness, enthusiasm, and authenticity to everything they do.

With leadership and support, Stort Pride grew into a thriving community organisation with over 50 regular members and an online presence of approximately 900 people. Chelle secured grant funding from East Herts Council to support Stort Pride’s plans. In 2022, they received an Indie award for Community Champion.

Each year the summer Stort Pride event was a focus for celebration and outreach. Each time getting bigger, with events organised by the group and supported by Bish Bash and South Mill Arts. The 5th Annual Pride was celebrated in summer 2025.

Meanwhile, lives move on. Chelle was finishing their professional training, Chelle and Erica married. Sam moved on to new work and home. Chelle and Erica moved to Cornwall in early 2026 and realising that it was not feasible to manage the CIC, closed the company. They go with the thanks and blessings of many people.

Stort Pride remains because the people and the community remains – along with the spirit of Pride—connection, joy, and solidarity.