SIR – I have read the welldeserved articles in the Worcester News about Mike Layland’s years of service to the people of Worcester following his retirement from local politics.

However, there was little mention if any, of the contributions and hours of hard work by George and Joyce Drew, affectionately known as the Drews, and a small but active band of independent members.

Many of them were members of the successful campaigning Ronkswood Action Group, who, for the independents, pounded the streets delivering leaflets, knocked on doors, drove around with megaphones and talked to the people of the Nunnery Ward.

A lot of Mike Layland’s community standing and political success has to be down to the respect shown by the Ronkswood people for the late George Drew, who among many other involvements, also found time to be a well-respected school governor.

For many years the Drews were deeply involved in the community, working tirelessly with the hugely successful Ronkswood children's marching band and many other events. George’s widow Joyce, read of Mike Layland’s retirement in the Worcester News (May 5), and Margaret Layland telephoned Joyce to thank her and the other independents for their support and help.

BRIAN HUNT
Worcester