The tragedy that is the Turkey/Syria earthquake brings home how precarious life can be. The scale of the tragedy is almost incomprehensible and the legacy that it leaves is immense. So many lives lost and futures destroyed. The loss even reached Buntingford - Mehmet Ethem Govher, the Manager of Kings and the Fryery, was in Turkey visiting his parents when the earthquake struck. Tragically Mehmet and both of his parents lost their lives. The tributes on social networks bear testament to the high esteem in which Mehmet was held by Buntingford residents.

Buntingford has, as usual, responded magnificently with donations of vital supplies delivered to the disaster area by Councillor Jeff Jones and volunteers in the Buntingford Community bus. Our thoughts and prayers go to all those affected by this tragic event.

The Government recently published its long-awaited environmental improvement plan which includes a commitment to plant 30,000 miles of hedgerows a year by 2037, rising to 45,000 miles of hedgerows a year by 2050. This is the first time the government has set a target for more hedgerows. Hedgerows line our countryside, providing refuge to countless species of our favourite wildlife and absorbing carbon day in and day out. We have lost half our hedgerows in the past 70 years so this new initiative is welcomed.

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.

The March issue of the Buntingford Journal will be available from the usual retailers from 24th February.