The Civic Society were happy to participate in the initial EHDC sponsored 'chatter table' in Buntingford. This initiative is intended as a way of reaching out to socially isolated residents who may appreciate a chat and interaction with other like-minded people. The first one was held at the Manor House recently and was well attended. They will continue to be held on the first and third Mondays of each month from 10.00 to 11.30. Why not come along for a chat and a cup of tea or coffee and see what it's all about?

A memorial service was held recently for the Reverend Norman Bingham who has sadly passed away. Norman moved to Buntingford when he retired but continued to provide much valued pastoral care and support to Buntingford residents well into his 90s. He is sadly missed - rest in peace Norman.

An interesting report from the Environment Agency has recently arrived in my email. Regarding water usage and levels in the South East following three very dry winters, it highlights the shortages we face and the measures that need to be taken. Our own River Rib is a prime case in question. The report says:-

Water companies need to do much more to tackle leakage, planners and developers need to ensure that all new developments are water efficient and regulators as well as government need to work together to ensure that robust restrictions are in place before people can abstract water from the environment. Businesses and farmers across the country, especially in the South East, need to reduce the amount of water they use and must stop pollution from entering our waters. Individuals also need to play their part. People in England use a staggering 140 litres of water a day. In Denmark they use just 80 litres. There is no justification for the difference. Every drop of water that is wasted is water that could be sustaining our rivers, streams and lakes.

We are still investigating ways of protecting the Town Pump from further damage caused by careless drivers. Protective iron bollards are not an option as there is insufficient ground clearance below the surface to properly install them. We are still in talks with the Conservation Officer to find a suitable solution - one option may be to re-site the Pump so that it is further away from the road on Market Hill.

As it currently stands there will be no Carnival next year. The Carnival Committee which has organised the Carnival for the last 30-odd years have decided that enough is enough. The Civic Society along with other groups within the Town will be meeting to see if we can form another committee to ensure that the Carnival does not die. There may not be enough time or funds to run one next year, but let's wait and see. There certainly appears to be a groundswell of public opinion that wants the Carnival to continue, but not so much support from some retail outlets in the High Street. Whatever happens I think a huge vote of thanks should go to Ashley Cantor and his former committee for the time and commitment they gave in organising the Carnival for so many years.

I have just heard that the Orchard Surgery is to close its doors for good in March next year. What has Buntingford done to deserve such disgraceful treatment? First our only Bank goes and now this. Let us hope that in the next five months robust plans are put in place to ensure that all Orchard Surgery patients continue to have access to a Buntingford based GP.

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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