Coronavirus - (COVID-19). Guidance for social distancing can be found on this Government website.

Well it is certainly good to be 'back' following our enforced lockdown. I sincerely hope that you are all well and that you and your loved ones have not been too badly impacted by the COVID implications. Most strange times but I have been continually amazed and impressed with the amount of good natured and well meaning people and groups that we have in Buntingford.

The Buntingford Town Council backed 'Here to Help' initiative used a raft of volunteers to assist the elderly and housebound who could not access shops for essential food stuff and medicines. Our thanks to the volunteers and Alex Kannold, who along with Alex Georgiou of the Town Council, coordinated the effort. Liam, the Manager at the Co-op, and his staff were also instrumental in the success of the scheme as were the Buntingford Relief in Need Charity who donated £2000 to be used in the scheme.

James Radley, on behalf of the Buntingford Chamber of Commerce members, made up 50 'parcels' of essential food stuffs and vouchers to be used in Buntingford retail outlets. These were distributed by Edwinstree School to known families in need and by Karen Lavers at the foodbank.

I am sure there were many other initiatives that I was not aware of - you know who you are and my thanks also go to you.

We are not out of the woods with the virus yet and we must all still be vigilant. 'Normal' life may still be some way away and it is sad that so many events that would normally have brightened our lives through the year have had to be cancelled - the VE Day 75th anniversary, the Arts Festival, the Car Show and the Christmas Market have all fallen foul of the virus. Let us hope that 2021 will see a return to a more 'normal' way of life.

As we look forward, I would urge you all wherever possible to use our wonderful High Street shops and the now thriving Monday market - they all need, and deserve, our ongoing support.

On a final sad note it is with regret that I heard of the passing, in May, of Joyce Jackson. Joyce was a most-valued and long-serving member of the Civic Society Executive Committee - she was a gentle and most caring person and will be sadly missed. Our condolences go to her husband Bob and his family.

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.

Publication of the Buntingford Journal will resume with the September issue, available from 28th August.

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