locally 2001 was dominated by foot and mouth, which shut the Malvern Hills and closed down large parts of the social calender.

What caused it? Was the widespread culling really necessary? Can we stop it happening again? We have been left with a lot of questions, no answers and no public inquiry.

But this year will always be remembered for the events of one day - September 11. Even as you watched that terrible day unfold it was hard to believe a group of people could plan and carry out such an atrocity.

It did serve to remind us that the world is an ever smaller place and of the need to talk to people and explain ourselves.

In September, a team of analysts hailed Malvern Hills the second best place to live in the country. It's a shame, to judge by the incidence of vandalism this year, that not everyone shares our pride in being part of this special community.

We hope we can all work together to make our area the best place to live in the country in 2002. A Happy New Year to all our readers.