Kemi Badenoch, MP for North West Essex constituency, which includes North Chelmsford villages and the Uttlesford district, recently attended the Dunmow Flitch Trials. This historic event awards a flitch of bacon to married couples who can prove a year of harmony and fidelity.
During the event, Mrs. Badenoch met with participants and local residents, experiencing the unique trials. The Dunmow Flitch Trials, which have been held since the 12th century, are an important part of the village’s culture, attracting visitors from all over the world.
This year, four happily married couples were awarded the prize of a Flitch of Bacon (half a pig, cut lengthways, cured & smoked), including the first same-sex couple in 920 years.
The happy couples were:
- Jimmy Rowley and Barbara Egerton-Rowley from Northumberland
- Emma Hynds and Emma D'Costa of Great Dunmow
- Kristian and Anna McMaster of Austin, Texas, USA
- Colin Linacre and Amanda Rayner from Buckinghamshire
Mrs. Badenoch congratulated the organisers for their hard work in maintaining this tradition and commended the participating couples for their dedication to their marriages.
Commenting, Mrs Badenoch said:
“Congratulations to all the couples who proved a year and a day of marital harmony and earned their bacon! There was a great atmosphere, with so many families and friends coming together to celebrate.
“A big thank you to all the volunteers, and attendees who made this event so special, in particular Helen Haines, Vice Chair of the Dunmow Flitch Trials Committee, for inviting me and the Flitch Judge Daniel Pitt!
“It’s traditions like these that bring our communities together, a great way to honour some of our unique and ancient customs here in North West Essex.”
Commenting, Helen Haines Vice-Chair of the Dunmow Flitch Trials Committee said:
"The organisers of the Dunmow Flitch Trials were delighted to welcome Kemi to the Trials held this July in Great Dunmow.
The Dunmow Flitch Trials are an ancient and very quirky custom, dating back over 920 years and are unique in the world. We are very proud to keep this ancient custom going and the support of our local MP is most welcome.
This was Kemi's first visit to the Trials, but we are certain it will not be her last! The next Trials will be held in July 2028 and we look forward to welcoming her back.”
