CONGRATULATIONS to all members of SWADS (average age 74).

For weeks we have endured The Voice and Britain’s Got Talent on our TVs.

Then, at the Workmen’s Club in our very own town of Stourport, we enjoyed the most side-splitting fun in ages.

We were invited to join the club’s amateur dramatic group as they embarked on a cruise around the world with the captain calling at different ports to be entertained with sketches full of fun and frolics.

There were guest appearances from the likes of Dolly Parton, Shirley Temple, Canadian Mounties, an order of silent nuns (with interesting use of sign language), Jaws the shark, Chinese musicians, bathing belle beauty pageants and a wonderful rendition of the church bells ringing provided by a simple country maid and four towelling robe-clad assistants each with a frying pan, elastic and wooden spoon contraption to provide the sound of bells ringing when required. Oh, and just one pair of black boxer shorts each to hide their shame!

Needless to say it bought the house down. The captain held it all together with his hilarious wit.

Well done to everyone involved – you really know how to entertain.

The aching cheeks and endless laughter from 7.30pm till 11.30pm – with only a 20-minute interval – prove how fabulous you were.

In this day and age of an ageing population and a growing problem with mental health resources and loneliness, it also shows how being part of a social group is vital to wellbeing and possibly the best preservation for youthfulness.

Long may you continue. We’re block booking the whole family for next time. Bravo!

Donna Vale Stourport