Firstly may I say what an honour it is to be elected Chair of the Buntingford Civic Society - I will do my utmost to ensure that the sterling work of the previous Chair Graham Waite is continued and I thank, in advance, the sterling support given by other members of the Executive Committee.

I am also pleased to announce a new Executive Committee member - Brian Lemay - whom we warmly welcome to the Committee. Brian served some 20 years ago and it is good to see him back. Brian has said: "I think it is essential, with a rapidly growing population, that we ensure provision of enough natural green space and green corridors within the new developments, and in the town as a whole," A laudable goal which sits well alongside our ongoing quest to preserve the built form of our Town.

On the development front, Redrow Homes' application for a large percentage of 4/5 bedroom homes at the Buntingford North site has again been challenged. Redrow maintain that demand for 4/5 bedroom homes outstrips that for 2/3 bedroom units, but a recent email to the Journal from a Buntingford couple puts a different perspective on the matter. The email has been forwarded to Sir Oliver Heald QC MP and our District Councillor Jeff Jones to ensure that they are aware of this worrying situation.

Bovic Homes' application for 400 dwellings still awaits review by EHDC Development Management Committee but in the meantime a revised letter of objection has been sent to EHDC. We still await the outcome of the Inspector's decision regarding the proposed 56 dwellings at Aspenden Bridge.

The Civic Society will once again run its Heritage Day, this year on Sunday 26th June. As per last year there will be guided walks around the Town - at 10am and 2pm, starting in the Coop car park. These guided walks will be free for Civic Society members and a nominal charge of £2 will be made for non-members. Please register your interest with Graham Waite at graham@gwservices.co.uk

We will also be running a Buntingford in Bloom competition this year. Judging day will be on 16th July and it will be limited to front gardens - this is to allow the judges easy access without requiring competitors to be present to allow them into back gardens. Entry will be £5 via a form which will be available from the Civic Society stall on Carnival Day. First, second and third prizes will be awarded.

We now have 100 National Trust passes available free of charge to Civic Society members. These allow one free entrance to selected National Trust properties and can be obtained by contacting the Society's Secretary, Carol Noble by email.

Don't forget there are two special events coming up very soon - Sunday 12th June will see the Queen's 90th Birthday street party celebrations and the following Saturday, 18th June, is the Buntingford Carnival. Both are 'not to be missed' events.

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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