Here we come a-wassailing

Any nasty bugs and evil imps hanging round the Hens’ Orchard were well and truly sent packing at the end of January, when hundreds of Wassailers gathered to bless the apple trees and drive out the baddies with a mighty hullabaloo.

Despite being let down at the last minute by the cider provider, we were able to serve hot drinks, juice and some delicious home-made applecake in the West Barn - and everyone was splendidly entertained by Highland piper Ruby Derbyshire, the Bells' Angels women's morris side from Holt, Widcombe Mummers, the English Session musicians and the Birch Tree Folk Choir.

Huge thanks, as always, to Nick Nichols for organising and MCing, to the Trustees and helpers for stewarding, baking and serving refreshments, and to everyone who came along on a chilly January evening to make merry. Waes Hael!

Next year's Wassail will take place on Saturday 27 January 2024. See you there.