THE Avonside town of Evesham was in the news for all the wrong reasons at this time a century ago.

The Journal of 1902 explained: "There was a word of warning to the innkeepers of Evesham at the town's Police Court this week.

It was again pointed out that currently Evesham has the worst record for drunkenness in the county.

"Sober and respectable townsfolk are pained when this stigma is so prominently fastened on to so fair a place which attracts many well-conducted visitors.

However, it is not the townsfolk nor tourists who bring so much discredit on the town.

"The pea-pickers are a periodical necessity, and many of them are a periodical nuisance. Even so, it is suggested that there is still some local blame.

"It is to be hoped this week's caution from the Magistrates' Bench will be heeded and that the innkeepers, for the credit of the trade and the town and in their own interest as holders of licenses, will refuse to serve with liquor those who manifestly have had enough."