CHATTERBOX - Lochwinnoch

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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.
From the Parish Church Oh sit down, sit down next to me. Sit down, down, down, down, down in sympathy. Tim Booth Perhaps the most important part of a minister’s life, outwith leading Sunday worship, is sitting down with people who are finding life hard for a variety of reasons: bereavement; loss of a job; end of a relationship or one of the other events of life that cause us to derail for a short while. One of the things you quickly learn is that the majority of people have the resources to help themselves within their own psyche. That is not to say that people don’t appreciate the companionship of others through life’s crises; we all appreciate those who stop and sit down with us. As a child, my mother used to remind me frequently of the old adage, “A friend in need is a friend indeed.” The warning was clear, as she used to accompany this proverb with the tale of the prodigal son. This is the young man in the Bible who demands his share of his inheritance before his father is dead. He goes off and lives a play boy lifestyle, surrounded by friends and companions until the money runs out. Yet in my experience, when life is hard, friends don’t disappear. In fact it is often in times of crises that we discover that those we thought of as mere acquaintances are in reality very special friends. People are prepared to sit with one another in times of need and that is something I have witnessed on many an occasion in this village. As some of you know, at the time of writing, I am not undertaking my pastoral duties within the village. Having had minor surgery, I am under doctor’s orders to take things easy for a few weeks (honestly Dr Waterston, there is no physical effort involved in writing an article for the Chatterbox)! Being “on the sick” is not something I had much of experience of, until the summer of 2008. During that time and this, the Parish Church Manse family have been overwhelmed by the number of friends we have in this village; people who are prepared to sit down next to us; people who drop in to make sure we are ok; people who drop us an email offering to pick up shopping; people who have walked Iain to and from school. I remember when a student, being given the advice that I had to learn who in a congregation could minister to the minister. In other words, who are the people who will listen when the minister needs to talk. When you find out who these people are, you very rarely need to speak to them, as just knowing they are there is enough to give a minister the strength they need to minister to others. Being an independent person, I also have a need to know that I can stand on my own two feet. However, I have a secret to share – I can only stand on my own two feet, knowing there is a host of people around me, willing to share the burden, if and when I need to set it down for a while. In the past few weeks I have had to do just that. One sin that many ministers are guilty of is a belief that we are indispensible. Believe me when I tell you that it is good for the soul to know that village life carries on regardless of whether I am in the pulpit on a Sunday or not! Yet more than that, in the past few weeks, we have been reminded of the goodwill in this village to all villagers – incomers or not. In our community there is a desire to support one another; a desire to sit down with each other; there is genuine care for all who are suffering. Without thinking too hard, I know of several families who just want to put the past 12 months behind them; I also know they are glad they live in Lochwinnoch, because for all life has been unduly and unbearably hard for them, people have sat down with them; in this village they have found the love and support they need to face each new day. On their behalf, thank you; on behalf of my family, thank you, for all you do and continue to do for all people in need in our community. Please never underestimate the importance of sitting down and spending time with a friend, even a new friend, you just never know what burdens you are helping other people carry. God bless you and thank you. Yours Rev. Christine Murdoch BEAT THE BLUES Have a blast at the Blitz Ball ! Lochwinnoch Choral Society is running a Blitz Ball on Saturday 13th February from 8pm till late at the McKillop Institute, Lochwinnoch. Dance the night away to a 17-piece swing band. Dress up in wartime costume. Eat spam sandwiches to the sound of Glen Miller. Look out for posters - get your tickets early to avoid disappointment. Beith Arts Guild Sunday Concerts Sunday 21st February at 2.30 pm in Beith Community Centre, King`s Road, Beith Featured at this concert will be the Scottish Reed Trio - a combination of oboe, clarinet and bassoon. The three instrumentalists are old friends from the time when they were students at the RSAMD. Since then they have all worked as orchestral musicians with major U.K. orchestras, and as music educators. Eighteen months ago, in 2008, they combined to form the Scottish Reed Trio, and have since performed in many venues across Scotland. They include in their programmes music from Mozart to Scott Joplin. This concert promises to be another success in this season`s outstanding series. All are welcome to attend. Prices are adults £8, concessions £6 children £1, all payable at the door. During the interval you can, for a small donation, have a cup of tea and a biscuit, and chat to your neighbours. Check future concerts on our website: www.beitharts.org
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CHATTERBOX - Lochwinnoch

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