WASSAIL 2016

Getting everything ready at the Orchard

This year’s Wassail on 7 February was a great success with over 220 people enjoying the torchlight procession and the amazing bonfire. We were extremely lucky with the weather…..dry both during the preparation (building the bonfire etc) and the evening…..with heavy rain and wind only arriving as we were clearing up. The Wassail Captain (Ed Heaver) and his merry men excelled this year with extra drumming and even more wacky songs, very much enjoyed by the many children….all singing along of course. The mulled cider and our traditional apple cake (+ by request) hot dogs disappeared in no time.

We asked for donations towards the Orchard and we were gratified by most generous contributions. The Wassail is our biggest means of raising money each year and the money will be put to good use….paying towards insurance and mowing for a start.

This event could only take place with help given so generously by our many Friends…Jennie Ephgrave (managing the whole event) Eleanor, Stuart Fox, Peter Tindell, Michael Whyte and Peter Jarvis (making the torches) Ian Green and Matt Dawson (bonfire), Sarah Salmon (sausages) Rosemary Buchan (song sheets) Nigel (again) for photography, and the other many many others who man the route with torches, serve the cider hot dogs and apple cake and stay afterwards to tidy up. Indeed a truly community event.

We are pruning this Saturday (13 February), and then spreading the manure on a Saturday in March so do come along if you would like to help. We will be reminding everyone of the date nearer the time.

After that we will be looking forward to seeing the blossom and the bluebells and spring will be with us.

The photos below give just a hint of the fun and excitement of the evening.