TEMPERANCE campaigning was still a live issue in the Malvern of 1901, judging by a letter from publican Albert Hill of the Porto Bello Inn, Malvern Link.

Mr Hill was replying to correspondent "A M", who wrote of the "sad and deplorable" sight afforded by "no less than 14 men, some staggering, and others just able to keep straight", coming out of a "den of drink" on a Sunday.

"Does he think our magistrates would issue licences to houses worth of the name of dens," asks Mr Hill.

He concludes by urging "A M" to "be a man" and provide his name and that of the pub of which he is complaining.