My view

A WOMAN was thrown from a window, torn to pieces by dogs and several youths were also torn to pieces by bears…Yes, as you will have guessed, this was a Saturday afternoon in Penkhull. However, this was all in the best possible taste, for this was the fifth in the series of annual Penkhull Mystery plays. Continuing their traverse through the Old Testament, Ahab and his Queen, Jezebel, two decidedly anti-social characters, got their comeuppance. Belshazzar saw the writing on the wall (a situation which certain politicians might empathise with of late), and Daniel was apprehensive in the lion's den – 'this is gonna hurt a bit'.

Elijah, Elisha, and many others, were all given spirited enthusiastic characterisation.

Other delights of the day included a hog roast, Maypole dancing and a jazz and folk band in the pub.

The sweat and sinew of Tug-of-War contrasted markedly with the charming handbells of The Inn Ringers and the subtle harmonies of the Loud Mouth Women singers.

Divine Intervention may have been expected at some point following the deluge last year, but I did have a quiet word with God (in the form of thespian Kevin Harper) beforehand, and the rain which had been forecast was delayed.

A great family day out, with a fine community spirit in evidence. Next up is the jazz festival, on July 26. See you there.