JANUARY 2022 WASSAIL

Thank you to all who attended our annual Wassail a fortnight ago. After an enforced hiatus last year it was great to be back and we are lucky to have a wonderful write up about the event by our very own Friend of the Orchard, Carolle Stent. 

January is not my favourite month; it is cold, wet and dark, and Christmas with all of its light and celebrations is over. In 2018 I went to my first Wassail and discovered that this is a celebration involving light, fire and ancient ritual in the midst of January gloom. 

The Wassail event started inside Limpsfield British Legion. When I arrived North Downs Drummers, dressed in stunning costumes, were seated and an ever-increasing crowd of all ages gathered in the bar area. A bucket collection went around, song sheets were handed out, flaming torches and glow-in the-dark pendants were available for donations and then Andrew Claringbull donned his hat to become our Wassail Master. This is a role that he has fulfilled and developed since he started in 2016.  He explained the ancient origins of what we were about to see and do. I learned that Wassail is timed to mark the beginning of pagan New Year; the time when winter darkness begins to lessen and daytime lengthens; the time when trees begin to awaken. Wassailing is a fertility ritual designed to ensure that the apple crop for the coming year will thrive.

Wassail Master - Andrew Claringbull

Excitement began to build in the assembled crowd, particularly in the young children who were full of anticipation for going out in the dark when they would normally be approaching bedtime. We sang a short song and then regrouped in the car park. Here our noise levels increased as the drum band with their colourfully illuminated drums and headgear swung into action. Imagine the scene, stillness and moonlight above with a riot of coloured lights, noise and action below. Flaming torches were lit. The Wassail Master and his two delightful young Wassail princesses along with the drum band led the procession along the road across the Common, up Grub Street and then through the wood. I tried to estimate the number of people taking part and guessed that there were at least 150 of us. A muddy path goes down steep steps and then snakes through woodland. As you leave the wood you go up a steep slope and at the top, through the trees, we were greeted by the sight of a huge bonfire and the full moon.

Procession from the British Legion down to the Orchard

Bonfire in full swing

Arriving in the Orchard you were drawn to the King Tree. This glorious apple tree was decked out in finery with bunting and fairy lights adorning its branches and a ring of tea lights around its roots. The Wassail Master and the two Wassail princesses stood beneath the tree and we wassailers gathered around them in a circle. The drum band and the wassailers ensured that the noise level did not abate. Once all were assembled, the ritual began. Andrew ably fulfilled his role in directing the libations to the King Tree. After he declaimed to the tree and blessed it to be fruitful a steaming bowl of cider was produced and a piece of toast dipped in cider was given to the tree as ‘food’. One of the tiny princesses could just reach a bough of the tree to balance it in place. Next, salt was sprinkled around the trunk and finally cider was poured on the roots. The ceremony around the tree concluded with song. Owing to covid the wassail cup could not be handed around but mulled cider and apple juice were available for all. By this time the warmth of the bonfire was more than welcome. 

Decorated King Tree

Wassail Master directing the libations at the decorated King Tree

Thanks are due to all who made this wonderful event possible. The obvious ones are those involved in the pageant – Andrew Claringball and the North Downs Drummers. Less obvious are all the volunteers who put the event together, built and tended the bonfire, adorned the king tree, illuminated the woodland, provided drinks, produced song sheets etc. This wonderful annual event could not happen without a team of volunteers. It is the main fund-raising event of the year for Limpsfield Community Orchard. The Orchard would not exist and it would certainly not continue to thrive without constant care and attention. If you feel that you can help in any way please contact Helen on 01883 723160 (orclimp@gmail.com).  I promise you that anything you give to this hidden gem in our community will be amply returned to you in enjoyment.