Much seems to have happened since I wrote my last Journal article on 16th June!

The Buntingford Carnival took place and although it seems a long time ago I must express my thanks to the Carnival Committee for arranging such a magnificent event. The Heritage Day took place on 26th June and was again well supported – our thanks to all who attended, with special thanks to Robin Webb for once again conducting the Town walking tours. And the BCS Buntingford in Bloom competition was judged: our two winners were Mr Maurice Spencer of Monks Walk and Mrs Isobel Browne of Gunstock Court – our congratulations to them and we hope they enjoy spending the prizes of gardening vouchers.

The BCS Executive Committee reviewed at great length both sides of the Library 'issue' following the presentations put on at the library and the Fire Station, and voted unanimously in favour of keeping the library on the High Street. We sincerely hope that HCC vote this way in September and keep the library where it is.

In celebration of the Queen's 90th birthday the Civic Society are looking to fully fund a couple of restoration projects, which we hope to complete by the end of the year:

★ The town sign is suffering from 'weather damage' and we have obtained a quote to replace it with a new sign constructed from more durable materials. It will look the same but should prove far more resilient and therefore much longer lasting.

★ The pump house, which was erected to celebrate Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee, is also in a state of some disrepair. Again we have a quote to re-furbish, using methods and materials fully sanctioned by the EHDC Conservation and Urban Design Officer.

We are arranging a litter pick and clean-up of the River Rib on Sunday 9th October, meeting at the Ford at 10am. If anyone would care to join us we would be very happy to welcome you. Wear your wellies and we will provide (via EHDC) the litter picking equipment. If you can help please let me know at graham_bonner123@yahoo.co.uk.

The Buntingford and Community Area Neighbourhood Plan has now been reviewed by EHDC and comments received back. Very few issues – the major comments came from developers who seem to think the plan unfair because it looks to put some boundaries around what they can and cannot do! EHDC have assigned an Inspector who will review the plan and hopefully pass it, then the final phase, the Referendum, can go ahead.

Finally, an exhibition was arranged at the Manor House to mark the 100th anniversary of the start of the Battle of the Somme. Special reference was made to the eight brave men from Buntingford who gave their lives during this horrific conflict. Thanks to Mark Trapmore of Freman College, to Councillor Graham Waite and to Steve Hisgrove from the British Legion for their efforts in putting the exhibition together. Thanks also to all those who attended. Donations of £145.40 were made to the Royal British Legion over the course of the exhibition.

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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