The Rat Catchers Wife

Pictures and words by Councillor Eve Coles

It was memorable. Pupils from St Marys School and Albion members dressed as rats many with musical instruments, led by an amazing Rat Catcher cum Pied Piper. Everyone, including us (the story followers) felt part of it from the beginning. The session in the Theatre was great. So was the parade down Church Street, stopping by the Almshouses to sing and play music, with us all following and the sun shining, the singing and music outside the church where the very young rats came scurrying out of the church to join us and then the Distons Lane  parade, performances  in Penhurst School grounds followed by a wonderful concert by Penhurst and St Marys pupils and Albion members in the school hall.  I had a lovely afternoon. I was so impressed with the performers, costumes, music, organisers everything. A special mention for the pupils from Chipping Norton School played a big, big part in the entire event They were so professional and played jaunty music while singing and parading as rats leading us to Penhurst. Also to the very clever Hijinx Theatre Company who planned and arranged it - and worked all week with the performers.  I am so glad I went. Everyone taking part and all those involved in organising it should feel very, very proud