VILLAGE EXHIBITIONS.
[To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.] Sia,—We, too, have found of great interest village exhibitions as described in Mrs. Ellis's letter, but of even more value a pageant of local history. Sixteen episodes, from as many centuries, were adapted from parish registers, family records, local traditions and Morant's History of Essex. A hundred performers, rich and poor, took part. Most of the costumes and properties were made in the village, but we had the invaluable aid of Canon Galpin in providing ancient music and instruments.
At the performance a bugle was sounded, a vivid account of each episode was read, and the scene was acted in dumb show, with the addition of music when needed, such as chanting by monks, a jester's song, country dances. An interest in history and art has been awakened ; it is amazing how the attempt to realize and act another character seems to have developed the power of sympathy all round. We have discovered unsuspected kinships of character and ability to
enrich our village life.—I am, Sir, &c., _ NANCY J. GREGORY NICHOLSON.
The Duke's Orchard, Little Baddow, near Chelmsford. -
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