CHATTERBOX - Lochwinnoch

Antiques, Curios and Crafts
A dynamic selection of oils, watercolours
and limited edition prints.
Bespoke crafts by local artisans, vintage
and contemporary jewellery.
Well worth discovering for yourself.
SPECIAL OFFER—10% DISCOUNT ON SHOPPING
FOR THE WHOLE MONTH OF FEBRUARY
The Barn on the Farm, open 10am till late every day
Contact Greta Logan on
Tel: 01505 683338 Mob: 07786 720586
e-mail: greta@thestirrupcup.co.uk
www.thestirrupcup.co.uk
West Bankside Farm, Geirston Road,
Kilbirnie, KA25 7LQ
Just opposite the Golf Course on the Largs Road.
Mystery Plays
I hope most of the village have heard
about the Mystery Play to be performed
on Sunday 28 th March around the village.
Equally, you may be asking, “What is a
Mystery Play?” Mystery Plays are one of
the earliest forms of drama, developed in
medieval Europe and reaching their height
of popularity in the 15th century. The
plays originated as simple sketches of
biblical texts. Early performances were
given in Latin and were preceded by a
vernacular prologue spoken by a herald
who gave a synopsis of the events.
In time, productions moved from the
church to the churchyard and the public
market place. Sadly in 1210 Pope Innocent
III banned the clergy from acting in
public and the production was taken over
by town guilds. Needless to say, changes
ensued: vernacular texts replaced Latin;
non-Biblical passages were added along
with comic scenes; not least, the acting
and characterisation became more elaborate.
From the guild control originated the
term mystery play or mysteries, from the
Latin “misterium” meaning “occupation”
(i.e. that of the guilds).
The mystery play developed, in some
places, into a series of plays dealing
Antique Valentine Cards
It was in 1797 that a British publisher was reputed to be the forerunner
of the Valentine card. He issued The Young Man’s Valentine Writer, which
contained scores of suggested sentimental verses for the young lover unable
to compose his own. Valentine cards as we know them today are
really a Victorian invention, appearing around the mid 1800’s. Historically
they can take two forms. Either they are handcrafted by or for the donor or
they are commercially produced and later embellished with a personal
message.
The earliest Valentine cards were produced in Germany and England,
with Germany quickly capturing the American market with countless examples,
ranging in size from 2 inches to cards which exceeded 14 inches in
height and width.
The Victorians preference for elaborate romantic motifs and florid patterns
meant that many cards were made in a three dimensional design, often
incorporating hearts, songbirds, flowers, frills and lacy borders.
Postcard manufacturers also produced Valentine cards within their general
and seasonal greeting card ranges such as birthdays, weddings, condolence,
Christmas, Easter and the like. This was particularly true of the appropriately
named Dundee firm of Valentine and sons, in business from the late
19 th century until the 1960’s.
Victorian valentines are usually quite fragile and it is important to collectors
that cards remain complete, unfaded and unfolded. Some were conceived
as ‘pop up cards’ and are especially prone to being creased or torn.
As paper objects their values are low enough for collectors to be pretty
choosy. A top tip when looking for antique valentine cards is to remember
to examine old scrap books. Victorians liked to attach their cards here as a
form of remembrance.
At the Stirrup Cup we have a wide range of vintage collectables and
jewellery for your partner. And to help you choose we are offering a 10%
discount for not only Valentine’s Day,on the 14 th but for the entire month
of February.
with all the major events in the Christian
calendar, from the Creation to the Day
of Judgment. By the end of the 15th
century, the practice of acting these
plays in cycles on festival days was established
in several parts of Europe.
Sometimes, each play was performed on
a decorated cart called a pageant that
moved about the city to allow different
crowds to watch each play. The entire
cycle could take up to twenty hours to
perform and could be spread over a
number of days. In Britain, after the
Reformation and the establishment of
the Church of England in 1534, the
plays were banned.
Modern revivals
The Mystery Plays were revived in both
York and Chester in 1951 as part of the
Festival of Britain. The Lichfield Mysteries
were revived in 1994 and more
recently in 2001, an African version of
the Chester plays was performed in London.
Passion Plays are also a shortened,
modern equivalent of the Mediaeval
Mystery Play. While, the most famous is
that portrayed in Oberammergau, there
are various versions around the world,
including the Glasgow Passion Play.
However, while it takes immense resources
to create even a short Passion
Play, a modern version of a Mystery Play,
without a crucifixion scene is much easier
to produce. Following in this tradition the
Writers’ Group in Lochwinnoch have
written a Mystery Play especially for the
village. Again, following the tradition of
the involvement of the different town
guilds, the play will involve many different
groups from the community.
Given the inclemency of our weather, the
Lochwinnoch Mystery Play will centre on
the story of Noah and the flood. Therefore
we encourage everyone to come dressed
for the rain! Not only that, Calder Crafts
are offering a beautiful prize for the best
dressed umbrella, so put those thinking
caps on and dress up the umbrellas and
see if we can make a colourful splash
(sorry) in the village.
Everyone is welcome to come along and
watch the play at 2 o’clock on the afternoon
of Sunday 28 th March. Children are
invited to come dressed as animals, as that
is the only way to guarantee entry to the
ark! For the rest of us, there will be buckets
accepting donations towards the cost
of the production. If you would like to be
involved, please contact Rev Christine by
email: rev.christine@btinternet.com
Many thanks.