I start with a reflection on the Civic Society AGM held recently. Whilst it was the usual robust forum with many questions from the floor, the overall attendance was very disappointing. The meeting is always open to members and non members and I would ask you all to let me know how attendance could be increased for future years. Were you all aware of when it was to be held? Do we need to advertise it better? My email address is below - I would love to receive any comments. To finish the AGM subject, huge thanks to our guest speaker Toby Archer from The Cheeseplate. It was a fascinating insight into the world of cheese and another airing for many of his jokes - some of which were as old as some of his cheddars! But seriously, thanks Toby.

The Town Walk will be held again this year on 24th June. This is an opportunity to join in walks around the Town and be 'educated' on some of the history of Buntingford and its old buildings. The walk will include Layston Church this year, for which we are grateful to owners Martin and Mandy. Three sessions are planned - at 10.30am, 1pm and 2.30pm. Anyone interested please email me with your choice of session.

Madela Baddock of Buntingford in Transition is, in conjunction with the Civic Society, organising a Town Litter Pick on 3rd June from 10am to 12noon. Gloves, sacks and 'litter grabbers' will be provided. Again, anyone interested in joining this most worthwhile event please let me know.

The Annual Town Meeting was held last month and if you were there I am sure you would agree that is was a lively gathering! Our EHDC and HCC councillor Jeff Jones bravely took many questions from the floor and was probably left feeling somewhat battered and bruised by the end. Thanks to Jeff for fielding some quite pointed criticisms of both EHDC and HCC - they were obviously not personal and really only reflect how passionately many people care about our Town.

Don't forget the Carnival on 16th June. I know only too well how much time and effort goes into organising this type of event so please make sure all that effort is supported through your attendance. And if you want to take part in our Buntingford in Bloom competition your entry must be in by 18th June; forms are available in the Manor House.

Finally some information for Civic Society members. As you are probably aware, the regulations for Data Protection (General Data Protection Regulations - GDPR) change on 25th May 2018. In order to comply with these regulations the Civic Society needs to advise its members as to what data is held and what it is used for. The information held by the Society is that which has been provided by each member when completing their membership application form giving Name, Address, Telephone Number and email address (if applicable). This data is held securely by the Society, it is not shared with any other organisation and is used solely to track membership renewal and ensure Journal delivery to the correct address. Current members will have received, with this month's copy of the journal, a letter detailing the data held by the Society complete with a consent form to be signed and returned to the Membership Secretary who will then action your preference.

Graham Bonner, Chairman, Buntingford Civic Society

If you have any queries about Buntingford Civic Society or issues you would like to raise, you can email the Chairman direct at chairman@buntingfordcivic.org.uk.

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