Saturday, December 27, 2003

Dr Eddie Cass will be giving an illustrated talk on his forthcoming book, The Pace-Egg Plays of the Calder Valley, on Wed. 17th March 2004 at 7.30pm at Hebden Bridge Methodist Church, Bridge Lanes (end of Market Street, past the Co-op). The event is being supported by The Folklore Society, Frank Woolrych and Hebden Bridge Local History Society, and The Book Case. Entrance is free and the book will be on sale at the event.

This book, which costs £6.99, supplements Dr Cass's The Lancashire Pace-Egg Play and covers the history of the play in the Calder Valley and outlines the story of the revival of the play. Schools were vital to the revival and continuance of the tradition, notably the Midgley School in the 1930s and in the 1950s, Calder High School. The Midgley pace-egg play, which has traceable, personal links into the nineteenth century, is discussed at length. The book also considers the revival of the play at Heptonstall where, on Good Friday, large crowds come to witness one of west Yorkshire's most popular calendar customs. Texts of both plays are included.

For more information, telephone Felicity Potter at The Book Case on 01422 845353

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