THE Buntingford Civic Society is celebrating the 30th anniversary of its monthly magazine. The Buntingford Journal which is regarded as a handy directory for local residents" has gone from strength to strength over the years and now has a circulation of

THE Buntingford Civic Society is celebrating the 30th anniversary of its monthly magazine. The Buntingford Journal which is regarded as "a handy directory for local residents" has gone from strength to strength over the years and now has a circulation of 1,000 copies. Derek Cooper, chairman of the society said: "The purpose of The Journal 30 years ago was to broaden the communication on issues the civic society was involved in and in those days it was concerned in the protection of old buildings and to educate people. "But as time has moved on the society has become much more sophisticated and is concerned with the built environment and thinking about equal opportunities. "The first editor of The Journal, the late Sheila Clark, persuaded members of the Civic Society not to do a straightforward journal of just civic society type issues so she really set the pattern and turned The Journal into a general readership magazine which carries a whole range of topics. "People enjoy reading The Journal and always ask when it is coming out. But we know from enquiries the advertising it carries is one of the things residents always look out for, including myself. It's a handy directory of local services." Val Hume, who has been the journal's editor for the past 10 years, said: "The Journal has changed quite a lot over the years. When I took over as editor, The Journal was done on an electronic typewriter. But because I use a computer nowadays it looks very different and a lot better. "I really enjoy being the editor. I wanted to be a journalist years ago so it's fulfilling early ambitions I suppose. "Every month I try to interview a local person and do a personal profile but there are also historical articles by Philip Plum. All local organisation are also welcome to send in articles too. "I hope The Journal continues for another 30 years, and I think it will. But I couldn't write it on my own so everyone who sends in articles should be proud." In the past The Journal has won a village magazine and newsletter competition. February's Journal - which is published on January 27 - will be a special edition which will include a facsimile of the 1976 first edition. - The Civic Society is relaunching its website on www.buntingfordcivic.org.uk