WORCESTERSHIRE Cricket Society have made former chairman Bill Tansell a vice president and life member to recognise his outstanding contribution over many years.

Tansell, a well-known figure in local cricket circles, has relinquished his duties with the society while he recovers from a long-term illness.

But their committee have marked his service with the double honour which was approved by members at the annual meeting in the Graeme Hick Pavilion.

Tansell, a County supporter since 1962, played and officiated with Worcester Taverners for 44 years and Barnards Green for a decade.

He was an umpire for 40-plus years as well as being chairman of the National Cricket Conference and Midlands Club Cricket Conference.

Worcestershire CEO Matt Rawnsley and former captains Norman Gifford and Phil Neale have also been elected vice presidents.

Ex-Worcestershire Secretary-CEO Mike Vockins has agreed to become the society's new chairman.

Rawnsley, who was a spinner for the County, entertained members at the meeting with a talk before participating in a question-and-answer session.

The society have finalised their 2018-2019 winter programme and former national selector Geoff Miller, who played for England, Derbyshire and Essex, kicks off the list in October.

The following month will see a return to Blackfinch New Road of ex-Worcestershire batsman and professional footballer Ted Hemsley.

Former England and Nottinghamshire batsman Derek Randall will be entertaining in December.

A Worcestershire player or official starts the second half of the programme in January 2019.

Ex-County head coach and Zimbabwe Test batsman David Houghton will be the February guest speaker.

The programme concludes in March with Nottinghamshire director of cricket Mike Newell who is standing down shortly as an England selector.

All winter programme evenings will be held on the second Tuesday of each month in the Graeme Hick Pavilion (7.30pm).