With the fast approach of the Christmas season, which seems to start earlier every year, it seems appropriate to reflect a little on 2024.

Members of the Society are still heavily involved with the River Rib restoration project. We are looking forward to seeing the design drawings for the next section, from the weir to Luynes Rise bridge.

It is pleasing to note that our membership has increased this year, but regrettably we have lost some long-standing members as well, not least Brian Lemay, a member of many years and a great advocate for our environment. Also, another of our long-standing members, our membership secretary, Peter Hay, has decided to step down from the committee. Our best wishes for the future for Peter and Nita, our heartfelt thanks for your support over many years. On a brighter note, we have two new committee members, Jenny Keeling, a long term, active resident of the town and Peter Lohmeyer, a recent arrival in the town.

At the Remembrance Day service held on 10th November, the wreath on behalf of the Society was laid by our secretary, Carol and her husband Terry, quite fitting as Carol's great great uncle is one of those that lost their lives in WW1 and is commemorated on the War Memorial. It must be said that the number of people that attended the service was more than we ever witnessed and thanks must go to the Town Council, the local RBL and the many others involved in the organisation of the event.

At this point I should say for those of you that don't know, some of the roads on the new housing estates built in the town over the last few years are named after those who have given their lives in conflict. Stearn Way, Dray Gardens, Pipkin Drive and Norris Way to name a few.

The Civic Society has been involved in many activities during 2024, not least working with Civic Voice on the response to the new government's aim to build 1.5 million new dwellings in the UK, during their term of office, 300,000 per year. An ambitious task which will be fraught with obstacles, who will build them?, where will the materials come from?, do we have enough skilled people?, will they be supported by improved infrastructure?, and will they be "affordable"?, just five issues that will need to be addressed. We have commented on the proposed changes to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and identified where it should encourage developers to bring "brown field" sites into use which will help to save some of our precious countryside.

A recent EHDC, Development Management Committee meeting heard the planning application for a GP Surgery and 200 dwellings on land east of Buntingford, north of Hare Street Road. The planning officers recommended the granting of permission for the application, but the DMC members voted to reject the application.

Finally, the BCS committee would like to wish all our members, readers and advertisers a Happy Christmas and a Healthy and Prosperous 2025.

Graham Waite, 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.

The December issue of the Buntingford Journal will be available from the usual retailers from 29th November.

More information about the Buntingford Civic Society can be found here and membership forms can be found here.

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