Penkhull Mystery play day was hot and sunny. I missed the music morning in the church, but managed to watch the flag raised on the village green. The flag was chosen from a competition that was whittled down to 4 combined designs. The flag that won had the cockerel from the weather vane on the church on it, then an oval to to represent the roads up to the  green and around it.

Next came Penkhull village brass bands playing popular and beautiful music to the crowd sitting on the green in front of the church.

There was also Morris dancing by Black Dog Molly, and  a Hurdy Gurdy man playing ancient tunes, and a bower of song where anyone could come along and sing or play music.

It was time to get changed and ready for the play. I snapped a shot of the scenery I have been painting, but couldn’t get photo’s of the mystery play as I was in it!  It went well and we had fun singing and dancing for the entertainment of the crowd. In 20 minutes a group of children were transported back in time, became farmers, were involved in Waterloo, were injured. Had a child,  were evicted and had to live in a hole in the ground. Went through the first world war, then became Suffragettes, and eventually returned to the present.

Once the play was over there was time to get changed and listen to the Penkhull ukulele band, and watch the tug of war competition (only two teams entered from the same place as the other teams were too busy watching England play in the world cup.)

Finally I saw some short playlettes written for Harper’s Titchy theatre. This was performed as readings for two or more voices. It was very entertaining  apart from being drowned out by loud musuc from the pub. (Half time at the England game).

It is a great credit to the people of Penkhull to do this so well each year. I heard up to 400 people help organise and volunteer for this community arts event .

It’s no wonder everyone is so busy at this time of year in Penkhull!