At last it seems as if we may be starting to get back to some kind of normality. The past year must have been so difficult for many of you and it is good to think that some of the pressures that so many have been under have started to ease. There is still some way to go but hopefully that light at the end of the tunnel may be getting just that little bit brighter.

As with most organisations, the work of the Civic Society has been seriously affected during the past year but we hope that in the coming months we can start to re-look at some of the projects we have in mind. The printing and circulation of the Journal this month is a big step in the right direction.

With more shops now being allowed to open, East Herts District Council (EHDC) and Buntingford Chamber of Commerce are looking at ways to attract shoppers back to our High Street. They are investigating ways to provide additional seating areas so that more people can relax and make use of the facilities on offer. This may mean the temporary use of barriers in some locations but these would eventually be replaced by more suitable planters similar to those currently in use at some locations in the High Street.

You will probably all remember the infamous bicycle rack that was installed by EHDC at the top of Church Street some while ago, to most people's dismay. Following much negative reaction it was removed and relocated to Freman College which is a much more suitable location. A simpler 'toast rack' type design was requested for the Church Street location, but apparently EHDC have decreed that it would be a trip hazard and therefore cannot be put there. Watch this space, I guess!

It is with much sadness that we received news of the death of Surjit Basra. Surjit served as Mayor of Buntingford on three separate occasions and was a huge contributor to Buntingford life. Always with a friendly smile, Surjit will be sadly missed and our thoughts and condolences go to his family. RIP Surjit.

And of course The Civic Society must also pay its respect to HRH Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, who passed away on Friday 9th April. Thank you, Sir - a life of exceptional service. A life well lived.

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.

Printing of the Buntingford Journal will resume with the May issue, available at the usual retailers from 30th April.

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