CELEBRATING OUR FAMOUS ESSEX DUNMOW FLITCH

This piece of ancient folklore happens every Leap Year. The tale originates in 1104 and is linked to the Augustinian Priory of Little Dunmow. The story is wonderful and you can check it out at the Dunmow Flitch Website. Geoffrey Chaucer alludes to the Dunmow Flitch in the Wife of Bath's Tale and certainly over the last century we learn much about it in novels, films, plays and current media activity.Currently, the five couples standing before the Trial Judge and the Jury of six young bachelors and six maidens are volunteering to put their marriages to the test before a court of hundreds of local residents and visitors from all over the world. Have they repented of being married to each other (well, for at least a year and a day)? Already some couples have been carried shoulder high through the town in the ancient Flitch Chair and the gift of a Flitch of Bacon has now been claimed by some of them. Superb day yesterday celebrating these noble couples. Thanks to Trial Judge Michael R Chapman, the examining Counsellors and the Jury - we have been treated to poignant and funny memories, high drama, pantomime, crisis and much laughter in front of the enthusiastic audience in the packed marquee. Appreciation goes to Helen Wildman, Graeme and Jenny Wade,David Ainge, Vicar of Great Dunmow and the Trials Court Chaplain and the whole team - what a wonderful weekend!