East Of England Civic and Amenity Societies Message

The June 2011 edition of The East of England Civic and Amenity Societies e-Newsletter is now available.

June Report

I am pleased to report that the national organisation of civic societies, Civic Voice, is working with a number of MPs to help set up an All Party Parliamentary Group for civic societies. This would be open to all MPs and members of the House of Lords. This initiative is led by Laura Sandys MP who is the daughter of Duncan Sandys who founded the Civic Trust.

The All Party Parliamentary Group is a good example of the top level engagement of Civic Voice in matters that impact on our daily lives and at the forefront will be the 'Localism Bill' currently going through the House. We will seek the participation of Oliver Heald MP.

The Royal Wedding seems a little while ago but if not forgotten memories of the occasion fades over time. What I believe will persist is the outstandingly successful Buntingford Street Party. We have never previously witnessed so many townsfolk of all ages celebrating an event together and in such good humour. A group of young lads when asked if they have had a good time replied 'wicked', 'cool'. I asked does that mean good? They said YES!

The credit for making this happen goes to the Town Centre Management Team especially Graham Bonner who was enthusiastically supported by too many to name individually. Finance for the event came from several sources including our Town Council, County Hall (Cllr Jane Pitman) and many businesses donated goods and services without charge. All in all a Buntingford success!

Congratulations to Cllr Surjit Singh Basra being elected to East Herts Council and Cllr Stan Bull on being re-elected. We look to both councillors to champion Buntingford's cause and restrain speculative development which is inconsistent with an agreed vision of the Town through to 2031. Thanks are also due to Cllr John Warren for his past service on East Herts Council.

Buntingford Town Council contains a number of new names and we wish them all well for the work to be done on behalf of their constituents. It is anticipated that the Town Plan will be a priority in order to inform the Local Development Framework being prepared by East Herts Council.

AGMs are a necessary part of the life of most organisations including your Civic Society. This year Buntingford Civic Society had an AGM it will be difficult to beat. There are two good reasons and the first was the sheer joy of congratulating the young prize winners of our art competition (thanks to Jane Eagle for making it happen). Secondly, an absorbing and fascinating presentation on Layston Church by Martin Coulson. The depth of research and commitment by Martin and Mandy is so impressive and we are happy that such an important landmark is in their hands. You can follow their work in the Journal and in due course it will be published.

Did you know Buntingford has a direct but somewhat stretched connection with Admiral Horatio Nelson?

Derek K Cooper, Chairman.