First of all a very happy and healthy New Year to all, but ... where on earth did 2017 go? I trust that most of you had a tremendous Christmas, celebrated New Year in style and haven't put on too much weight or overloaded your credit cards!

It's that time of year now for resolutions and many of us will be planning holidays. Let us all give a thought to those less fortunate whose lives revolve around much more mundane and less exotic goals.

2018 will see the Buntingford Carnival back on the agenda - that is certainly something to look forward to. This year will also see the 100th anniversary of the end of the Great War. I am sure that this significant date will be recognised in some way in Buntingford and the Civic Society will certainly be heavily involved in this. Another 100th anniversary to be celebrated in 2018 is the first meeting of the Buntingford WI in 1918 at what is now the Tile Shop. The WI will be installing a plaque there to commemorate the event and the Civic Society are happy to have provided a donation to the WI towards the cost of the plaque.

I am sure most of you will have noticed by now that our good friend the Town Pump is back. It was hit by a vehicle in June of last year and very badly damaged. It has now been repaired and is back where it belongs - let us hope it stays there!

Most of the trees on Market Hill that have had to be removed over the past couple of years due to disease have now been replaced. Although it will take many years for the new trees to achieve the height of the old ones they replaced, it is good to see them planted nonetheless. I will personally see what can be done to get the Christmas Lights back in said trees for next Christmas. It was very sad that 'Elf n Safety' got in the way in 2017.

I am delighted that Madela Baddock (of Buntingford in Transition) has volunteered to take over the maintenance of the Community Garden in Baldock Road, with plans to grow fruit and vegetables. Grateful thanks to her for this - I am sure any volunteers to assist in the task would be very welcome.

Once again I wish all Journal readers and residents of Buntingford and surrounding villages a very happy, healthy and prosperous 2018.

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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