Welcome back, we hope you enjoyed the summer break, especially the weather, although some days were a bit unbearable due to the heatwave, however it is widely reported that this may become the norm. Maybe time to consider preparing for next summer, especially drought-resistant garden plants for the garden.

Each year the Society donates a monetary gift to Freman College to be presented to a student that, in the opinion of the judges, was active in "Community Service". The winner for 2026 was Venedia Chen and the photo shows her being presented with the award on our behalf by our Town Mayor, Cllr Duncan Wallace. Venedia was recognised for her support for the local community through environmental work, including the planting of hundreds of daffodil and crocus bulbs, and for her service to the Freman Community through supporting other students and staff with many daytime and after-school events over the last 2 years. Our congratulations to Venedia on winning the award.

The Society is pleased to welcome a new executive committee member, Pam Hibberd. Pam has many years experience in different forms of employment ranging from Finance, Engineering and Commercial Sales. She was, until recently, secretary to the Seth Ward Alms Trust, a position held for 10 years. We are sure that Pam will be an asset to the executive committee and the Society.

On the planning front, the Planning appeal by Hallam Land to build 600 dwellings on land west of the A10, north of the A 507, commenced on Tuesday 8th September and concluded on the 18th September. Buntingford was well represented at the Inquiry on Day 1 by our Mayor Cllr Duuncan Wallace, Chris Berry from CPRE, one of our District Councillors, Cllr Sue Nichols and Tracy Russ from Throcking. We await the Inspectors decision on the appeal which would normally be approximately 3 to 4 weeks.

By the time you read this, we will have had the by-election for the vacancy on the Town Council. We hope that the new councillor, whoever he/she is, enjoys their time serving on the council.

A note for your diary, full Town Council election - 6th May 2027.

It was our intention to issue a Newsletter to all members with the August / September issue of the Journal but regrettably what with family commitments and other issues it has been extremely difficult to complete this in time for printing etc. It is planned to be completed over the summer break and delivered with the October issue our sincere apologies for this.

Finally just a gentle reminder that at the end of this month (October) the clocks go back 1 hour at 2am on the 25th, heralding the approach of Winter.

Please visit our website www. buntingfordcivic.org.uk and our Facebook page www.facebook.com/ buntingfordcivicsociety.

Graham Waite, 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 October issue of the Buntingford Journal is now available from the usual retailers. The November issue will be available from the 30th October.

More information about the Buntingford Civic Society can be found here and membership forms can be found here.

This website and all the pages herein are © Buntingford Civic Society.