Can I say first of all that I am very proud of where I come from, where I was born, of being English, and British, and I think we live in a great country.

But I had the good fortune to spend a brief time in Cologne, Germany, last week.

Now I know the the Germans have their problems as well, including very high unemployment.

But why is it that they can get their transport system to work and we can't?

The trains leave on time and the trams in Cologne are superb.

I think we pulled up most of the tram tracks in Britain some 40 or more years ago.

And the place looks a lot cleaner and tidier than our country.

I am sure there are some not very nice places in Germany, but it just seems they can get things organised.

Anyway, Cologne is a fine city.

A couple of sad events this week.

On Saturday I was at Droitwich Rugby Club watching their first team win, but tragedy struck when one of the veterans' players Mark Edwards - who also coached both the Malvern and Droitwich ladies teams - collapsed, was taken to hospital and died.

Mark was one of those people who gave so much time and energy to the game and will be missed.

And what a pity about our favourite local race horse Best Mate this week.

Not sure what it is about a horse that attracts people, but Best Mate seemed to have an effect on people.

I recall when Desert Orchid appeared on the BBC Hereford and Worcester stand at the Three Counties Show one year, you could not move for folk, it was amazing.

Very sad for Jim and Val Lewis that their favourite horse is no longer galloping the fields. Our thoughts go to them.

On to brighter things. We had a splendid concert at Wetland last week, with the Tredegar Male Voice Choir, and guests, and a packed church.Hope everyone enjoyed it, I certainly did.

And the Worcester Male Voice Choir are in action this Saturday at the King's School Theatre. I'm sure you will be made welcome.

I'm building up for the big Children In Need walks in two weeks' time. I did about 11 miles training last Sunday.

More details next, but it all starts at Kidderminster Town Hall on Monday, November 14, with Cecil Duckworth, Graeme Hick and Philip Serrell all appearing.

Evesham to Worcester on the Wednesday, Bromsgrove to Worcester on the Thursday, with Ross to Hereford and Leominster to Hereford in between.

It's Leicester Tigers at Sixways tonight and it would be great to put one over on the Tigers. City are playing in the FA Cup too. Let's hope for a win and a big draw in the next round.

l Dave Bradley is the BBC Hereford & Worcester sports correspondent.