First of all I would like to start by wishing everyone a very healthy and happy new year – but where on earth did 2016 go!!!.

2017 promises to be a big year for Civic Societies across the country with a Civic Day planned for June 17th. After its launch in Parliament, Prime Minister Theresa May said: “I am pleased to lend my support to Civic Day, the national celebration of civic pride. It is fantastic to see communities coming together and celebrating where they live.”

Civic Day is part of the Civic Voice vision to create a society where everyone can say “I care about where I live”. It gives communities the chance to celebrate their local area and promote civic pride. Let's see what we can do to promote this in Buntingford – I would be very pleased to receive any suggestions.

We still await notification from EHDC on the actual date for the referendum on the Buntingford and Community Area Neighbourhood Plan – we believe it will be sometime in early March. I would urge everyone to read the Plan – it's available online via the Buntingford Town Council website or in hard copy at the BTC offices – and commit to vote in the referendum.

The refurbishment of the Town Pump has been completed. I hope that all agree it was money well spent to maintain and preserve this important part of Buntingford's heritage.

You may well have seen posters appearing recently promoting the upcoming 'Buntingford Film Festival'. This is a most laudable plan to bring cinema back to Buntingford and I certainly believe that it is something that deserves people's full support. A good turnout at the festival will pave the way for regular film shows in the future.

I can announce that the Civic Society AGM will be held on 25th April in Benson Hall with a guest speaker to be advised. Once again, a very healthy and happy new year to all.

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.