"Ye Dunmow Flitch."

Ellesmere Guardian, Volume XXII, Issue 3790, 12 April 1916, Page 2

"Ye Dunmow Flitch."

SUCCESSFUL PERFORMANCE AT SOUTHBRIDGE.

There was more than a. full house present at the Southbridge Town Hall on Monday evening to witness Mr W. Densem's production of an adaptation of Harrison Ainsworth's novel, "Ye Dunmow Flitch;" in fact, the seating accommodation was insufficient. No doubt most people in this district are by this time aware that "The Dunmow Flitch " takes its name from the flitch of bacon awarded to husbands and wives who have never quarrelled during the space of a year and a day, or ever regretted their union. In the year mi an old bachelor at Dunmow, in Essex, left a large sum of money to provide for all time flitches of bacon for the purpose described. In Essex, " Flitch Day " (August Bank Holiday) is a gala day, and the people from far and near flock into the town for the festival. The performance, which proved not only interesting but highly entertaining, was given in a manner that reflected great credit upon Mr Densem and those who took pact. The stage was made to represent the Dunmow Courthouse of 150 years ago, and the effect as the jury, the Lord of the Manor, the Squire's trusty steward, and others filed into court in the costumes of the period, was decidedly picturesque. The proceedings opened with a lengthy speech by Mr Roper, the Squire's steward, detailing the history of the-flitch. This was given in good style. The Lord of the Manor followed with his words of wisdom, and Mr Roper straightway proceeded

to call the first applicants, Jonas Nettlebed (landlord of the Dunmow Flitch Inn) and his wife, Nelly Nettlebed. All went well up to a certain stage—until they were subjected to a severe crossexamination, and the conclusion of the proceedings found the couple quarrelling betweeg themselves. Their chance of gaining a flitch was gone completely, and poor Jonas did grieve as he reflected how hear he had been to winning the coveted prize, and how great was the treasure he had lost. The next applicants were Mr Alfred Fitzwaiter and his charming wife, Rose Fit?waiter. This couple had no "difficulty in substantiating their claim, even the crotchety old Courthouse . usher, Hopkinson, speaking in their favour. After the verdict had been given by the foreman of the jury, the winners were " chaired " from the front to the rear of the hall and back again, with the Lord of the Manor, steward, usher, jury and other claimants in attendance. The chair used for the purpose had been made of English oak and was a replica of the original, which has been in the Dunmow Priory since the days of King John.

Then followed a very enteriainia^ part of theNprpceedings—»ha tiial of local claim.int* for the fl tcb. Tha winners of the fl teh a' the Christchurch trial, Mr G. W. Bartle't, dressed to iepre-cnt a Coster and known as Bill Hawkins, and his wife Sal Hawkins (Mrs Ralph Stringer), were retried, then Mr and Mrs John Free were summoned to prove their olaim, Though subjected to a withering- cross.examination afld having to contend with a

has lie tfitiw*i 'be soupls rtude a good Irttpreaslon- upon the jury,

Mr E. G. Hubbard, and iiis wife I (Mrs W. Lochhead) were the next to engage the attention of the court and they, too, survived the ordeal. There were two other claimants, but both were after the flitches for henpecked husbands, Mr J, S, Chapman and bis wife (Mrs Walker) and Hopkinson (the Courthouse Usher) and his wife. The latter couple, particularly the husband, provoked a great deal of laughter. In due course the jury delivered its verdict. Flitches were awarded to Mr and Mrs Bill Hawkins, to Mr and Mrs Free, to the chairman of the Town Board and to Hopkinson.

The performers ail acquitted themselves in a .most creditable manner. Mr A, D. Aitken acted tbe part of Squire Mookbury (Lord of the Manor) in a dignified manner. Mr charles Smith made the very most of the part of Mr Roper, steward to Squire Monkbury, his examination of applicants causing much hearty laughter, Mr Stanley East gave a decidedly clever interpretation of the role of Hopkinson (the crotchety Courthouse usher), and kept the audience constantly amused. •„ His make up was so good that even intimate friends could scarcely have " picked " him had they not known he was in the company. It would have been an exceedingly difficult matter to have found a better Jonas Nettlebed than MrJ.W. Bailey. He looked the part and* acted if splendidly. The same may be said of Nelly, bis wife (Miss Mabelle Williams). Mrs Bailey was certainly a charming Rose Fitzwalter, while Mr F. Wipks was equally successful as Mr Alfred Fitzwalter. The other characters were: Carraty Dick, ostler at the Dunmow Flitch Inn, Mr W. H, Jones ; Captain Juddick, a boastful, blustering giant, Mr A. Scott; Swiney, a travelling showman, Mr E. Armstrong; Sir Gilbert de

Montfitchett, a wealthy land owner, Mr W, J Boon ; Simon Appleyard. faretnan of the jury, Mr T. W. West ; Peggy Primrose, chambermaid at the Dunmow Fjitch Inn, Mis 9 Lulu Hankinson j and Lady Bab, Miss Vera Hanna. The six hopeful bachelors and six hopeful spinsters all looked and acted their part very well. On the whole the audience spent a thoroughly enjoy* able evening, <* A replica of Britain's Coronation chair was displayed in the hall, and during the interval Mr F, W. Johnston made an effort to raise money for the Patriotic Fund by offeriog to any member of the audience the right to have his or her name placed on the chair on payment of £§ Only one £5 was forthcoming—that of Mr R e " B. B. Willis, It seems evident that Southbridgc people feel that they have done their •« bit " for the 'Patriotic Fund, and that while they are always ' ready to help by their presence at concerts and other functions, they have reached the limit in so far as giving by means of flag auctions or other

special efforts are concerned. To j have raised Within an ace of j £1400 in a few months for the! Patriotic Fund, notwithstanding ' the constant appeals made throughout last year for the Red Cross, is no small achievement. It compares more than favourably with what most other districts have done. Before returning to town the visitors were entertained at supper by the Southbridge ladies. It may be mentioned that mtche3 were given by Messrs ; Chapman Bros, and W. Lochhead,