This
year’s Limpsfield Community Orchard Wassail party was yet another sparkling success
with over 150 people coming along to join in our fruity festivities and one
couple even using the special occasion to get engaged!
Accompanied
by the North Downs Drummers, with lots of very pretty lights hung along the
Orchard trail throughout the woodland and with torches aloft, the procession was
relaxed and made its way to the orchards at a safe and stately pace, so that
the very many children could see and understand the ceremony.
Thanks
to an unseasonably balmy evening, and despite the recent rain, we managed to
light the fire having built the fire with previously collected dry wood and
hundreds of dried fir cones. As in previous
years, the bonfire was masterminded by Ian Green who kept it burning throughout
the evening, along with his very able assistant, Jasper Claringbull.
Our
King Tree was lit up and dressed with toast, salt and apple to ensure a good
harvest and with much singing and noise - bells rattles saucepans and of course
the drummers, we performed the passing of the Wassail bowl with hot spicy cider
and the traditional WAES HAEL toast.
Then
it was back to the bonfire for more cider, sausages (hot dogs) and apple cake,
plus of course lots more drumming around the fire.
What
a fantastic night it was, with the skies staying clear and very little wind which
helped keep our torches alight. It all conspired to provide a warm, colourful,
fun and also romantic setting - for one couple at least (part of the North
Downs Drummers) - who got engaged by the King Tree! Congratulations from us
all!
We
are extremely grateful for all donations received on the night, which will help
us improve the much-needed deer guards and support systems for the trees.
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