THE SEASON OF PEACE AND GOODWILL - LET'S HOPE SO!

To each of the Civic Society members and to the large number of townsfolk who buy their Journal each month, to the proprietors and management of outlets who sell the Journal and to the advertisers who purchase space in the Journal a sincere thank you for your contributions throughout the year which have allowed the Civic Society to take direct action to benefit Buntingford and surrounding villages.

In the November edition of the Journal (page 39) a piece by Bob and Joyce Jackson highlighted many of the achievements of the Civic Society over the last 35 years. It is an impressive list of results and it prompts the question what would our Town be like without the community actions of so many of you throughout those years? The answer I fear would be a far less attractive environment in which to live and raise families.

There are also many other people who give their time, skills, and energy to the town. We see it in our Councillors, we see it in Club Leaders, we see it in our Churches and Youth Groups and we see it in volunteers - how else would our Christmas Lights appear?

Is there evidence that not only seasonal but general goodwill is reciprocated? We think not and a few simple examples might make the point. Why is there this protracted delay in fixing the High Street pavements?, Why haven't the collapsed railings alondside the Rib been replaced? Why is it that we learn of the Scott Wilson Report (sites for gypsies and travellers) on publication and through local press in October when a consultation period was undertaken during May-July? To put it mildly there is a strong feeling that the various agencies employed on our behalf are not delivering results for Buntingford and they should be held to account.

To end on a brighter note the Civic Society has identified boundary signs that we propose recommending to our Town Council together with significant financial backing to subsidise their purchase and installation (our existing signs are a disgrace) also we were saddened to learn that the Seth Ward Community Centre had been subject to malicious damage and we expect to be able to help-out in the cost of repairs.

Two examples of your support turning into action for Buntingford - so thank you all once again.

Happy Christmas and a Peaceful New Year.

Derek K Cooper, Chairman.