My apologies to all readers, but I decided not to send an article for inclusion in the February Journal as we wanted to ensure there was sufficient space to accommodate the obituary for Jonathan Ling. Part of that article mentioned Jonathan planting a Meridian tree in Hare Street Road in 1997. For those of you that are not aware and may find this of interest, the Greenwich Meridian, zero degrees Longtitude runs west of Buntingford. There are 2 marker posts, one located by the bus stop at the Westmill South turn, on the A10, and the other in Hare Street Road, on the south side in the dip between Mill Cottages and Alswick Hall. Buntingford is in the Western Hemisphere whilst Alswick Hall is in the Eastern Hemisphere.

Some of you may have noticed on your travels around the town, that the "Cage", at the bottom of Church Street, has been refurbished. This building was the town lockup, built in the early 1800s. Before a national system of policing was set up, many villages had their own lockup. Criminals (often drunks, petty thieves and those starting fights) were held for a short time. They were then either released or sent to a larger town for trial. The listed building reference is LEN1347993. We are now investigating installing a new information plaque on the building. The Victorian Pump House located on Market Hill has also been repaired after being struck by an unknown vehicle. These works were carried out by Between Time and paid for by Buntingford Town Council.

A belated wish from all committee members is for all our members and readers to have a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous 2024, which is going quickly with Easter fast approaching, Easter Eggs and Hot Cross Buns available in most Supermarkets and have been since Boxing Day!!!

Stay safe and keep well.

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 March issue of the Buntingford Journal will be available from the usual retailers from 23rd February.

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