SIR - Why the so called controversy over the badger cull.
The trouble with too many people getting involved is it’s printed and broadcast for everyone to hear about.
This should be kept quiet, done at night with snipers in wait.
I used to skive off school and write my own sick note to work for a farmer called John Brooks in Oldbury Road. I knew where his shotgun was kept in the milking shed.
We went out about 10pm twice a week. Within six weeks there wasn’t a badger in sight.
 The perpetrators preassign TB has been proven and incinerated.
I’m backing this cull. The farmers are already suffering over milk prices. If the cattle are infected with TB they have to go to slaughter. I think the campaigners and rock musician Brian May should stick to strumming his guitar.
This cull will go ahead and I would help.
 Badgers are vermin and spread this deadly disease.
MR L PRESLEY
Bransford

Thanks for turning the whole town purple!
SIR - May I through your newspaper,  thank and congratulate everyone concerned with the Pershore Plum Festival for providing the town with such a remarkable event over the Bank Holiday weekend. 
Grateful thanks to everyone who donned raincoats, wellingtons and umbrellas to brave the elements (once again!) and enjoy the plum activities on offer. 
Thanks especially to all the businesses who turned the town purple with their outstanding window displays;  these have definitely become one of the iconic sights of the whole festival and one which is so appreciated by locals and visitors alike.
This year our intention was to make the festival bigger and better than  before and to realise this we themed and introduced new events – a Pershore Plum Heritage exhibition,  a family fun day which included the new 10 K Plum Plodders race and a Teddy Bears Picnic to name just a few.
Despite the inclement weather all of these events took place and were enjoyed by many thousands of people, including many from further afield – coach groups visited from South Wales, Devon, the North West and the West Midlands and many visitors from all over the country attended by either staying locally or with family and friends.
If you have comments regarding this years festival or suggestions concerning the 2016 event, please don’t hesitate to contact me. 
Your views are important to the committee – and of course, if you would like to get involved with the organisation of future events, your assistance would be greatly appreciated.
Once again, a great big plummy thank you to everyone!
ANGELA TIDMARSH
Chair, Pershore Plum Festival
Wychavon District Council

Be sure to take care of the money spider
SIR - Hi George Cowley.
Good luck with your spider friend.
My mother used to say ‘Take care of a tiny spider descending on a string of web. It’s a money spider’.
JEAN HARRIS
Worcester

Sign petition over weather contract
SIR - Readers please support a petition to the United Kingdom Government to get the BBC to keep its weather contract with the Met Office.
We have to keep the weather supplied from within the United Kingdom.
If you have computer access please go to the website petition.co.uk enter section Environment sign petition weather contract with the Met Office.
Please spread the word, thanks.
F E SHARPE
Plymouth

Radio times I’ve put into rhymes
SIR - I’m listening to Radio 4,
Some people find it a bit of a bore.
I really do love Radio 2,
If you tuned in then so would you.
I really do like Radio 1
It is silly but a bit of fun.
When it rains we all get wet
I stay inside in the dry, you bet.
I love Radio H & W spot on
I like to know what’s going on.
I’ve got sore toes, I’m diabetic
I sometimes moan, which is pathetic.
GEORGE COWLEY
Worcester

Volunteers needed for Marie Curie collections
SIR -Marie Curie is looking for volunteers in Tewkesbury to sign up to collect for a few hours at Tewksbury Morrison’s on October 22 or 23 to help with our fundraising.
 Marie Curie provides free high quality nursing to terminally ill patients in their own homes. The money generated by the collection will go towards providing care in the local area.  This is  a great opportunity to become part of something that will really make a difference to others.
By sparing a little time, someone will be doing something extremely worthwhile, whilst also gaining valuable experience in fundraising activities. It is also a great way to meet new people.
Anyone interested in finding out more, please call Richard on 0117 942 7132 or
Richard.scott@mariecurie.org.uk to find out more or sign up online to your preferred collection slot at mariecurie.org.uk/get-involved/volunteering
The local Tewkesbury Fundraising Group are also holding an open meeting attended by a Marie Curie Nurse on 1st September.  Please contact Richard for more information.
RICHARD SCOTT
Community Fundraiser – Herefordshire and Gloucestershire
Marie Curie