Well I hope that you have all enjoyed our marvellous summer - yes a bit too hot at times but as far as I am concerned it certainly beat our usual mix of wind and rain as soon as the children broke up.

The heat did have an effect on our Buntingford in Bloom competition - most entrants gardens had seen their best days by the time judging took place and we will certainly address that next year and bring judging forward by a few weeks. The standard of entrants was, nevertheless, still extremely high with the three category winners shown here. Thanks go to all who entered. The prize-winners are:-

Best rear garden:-

1st - Brian & Rose Austin - Church Street

2nd - Leslie Bullamore - Hare Street Road

3rd - Jean Devenish - Monks Walk

Best front garden:-

1st - Fiona Baird - River Green

2nd - Glynis Jaycock - Fairfield

3rd - Fred Bolden - Tylers Close

Best container garden:-

1st - Alexandra Kannold - Vicarage Road

2nd - Fiona Baird - River Green

3rd - No award

Prizes will be awarded at the Gardeners Club meeting on 5th September at the URC Church Hall in Baldock Road. The judging panel look forward to seeing all the winners there for the prize-giving commencing at 8.30pm.

Still on the gardening front thanks must go to Jean and Madela for their efforts in keeping the community garden outside the Police Station in Baldock Road in such fine order. Well done, your efforts are greatly appreciated.

On the 9th August I was delighted to attend a ceremony at the Tile Shop in Buntingford to install a blue plaque commemorating the 100th anniversary of the W.I. in Buntingford. The Tile Shop was originally the W.I. Hall, built in 1927 after years of fundraising. The Civic Society were happy to assist the W.I. in the purchase of the plaque.

Although it is some weeks ago now, it was with great sadness that I heard of the passing of John Reynolds. John was a founder member of the Buntingford Civic Society and its Chairman for many years, as well as being its President. John was also a Buntingford Town Councillor for 34 years, a District Councillor for 31 years and a magistrate for 28 years. Former BCS Chairman Derek Cooper had previously commented: "Buntingford would be a town far worse off without the qualities and contribution of John and the far-sightedness of him and his colleagues at that time in creating the Civic Society."

Thank you John for all you did - you loved Buntingford and you will be sadly missed.

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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