It was with great sadness that I learned that ex- Mayor and Freeman of Buntingford Eunice Woods had passed away. Eunice was heavily involved with many Town initiatives including the Almshouses and Relief in Need Charities. She cared deeply and worked tirelessly for Buntingford and its residents - she will be sadly missed.

The Government have recently introduced a 'Future High Streets Fund' which is looking to award grants to deserving High Streets and Town Centres to help with re-generation and sustainability. The initiative is only at the 'expression of interest' stage at the moment and Buntingford are preparing a document to present to EHDC who will decide what bid should be put forward. EHDC are only able to propose one Town in the District and the Buntingford bid will be up against the Old River Lane, Bishop's Stortford bid. East Herts Councillor Jeff Jones is leading Buntingford's bid team which also comprises Town Councillor Jon Ling and myself.

I have been involved in initial meetings between the Town Council and the Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust. The Trust are most interested in the River Rib which flows through Buntingford. The Rib is a chalk stream which makes it environmentally important as there are only about 200 chalk streams in the world. Most of these are in southern England, with a few in France. We are investigating projects which could help to improve the quality and flow of the river and also to raise public awareness of the importance of chalk streams. If anyone is interested in being involved please let me know by email to chairman@buntingfordcivic.org.uk.

The Civic Society will also be involved in another proposed new initiative - Buntingford Community Person of the Year. Ideas are still being formulated and full details will be available in due course, but current thinking is:-

The award will be for an individual, not an organisation, an 'unsung hero' - not necessarily someone who is already well known in the Town.
Only one nomination needed for a name to go forward. No self-nominations, but anyone can put a nomination forward.
Award to be announced at The Lights of Love ceremony at end of November and presented by the Mayor.

It has been announced that Nevetts is to close. Quantum Care apparently feel that they cannot upgrade the building to the standards now required. The staff are being offered either positions elsewhere within the group or redundancy and residents have the option to be moved to one of Quantum's other care homes. Whatever the reasons this will be hugely upsetting for the residents and staff and we wish them all well for the future.

There is a Big Town Clean up arranged for Sunday April 28th being co-ordinated by Councillor Jeff Jones. Volunteers for this worthy exercise are most welcome and those interested should meet at 11am at the Manor House.

Finally, don't forget that the Civic Society's A.G.M. is on Tuesday 23rd April (see link below). You don't have to be a member of the Civic Society to attend - everyone is welcome.

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.