Wassail!!!

Off to Maplehurst this evening for the annual Wassail. We gather at the White Horse and then led by musicians there is a torchlit procession along the road to JB's orchard. The apple trees are lit with candles in jars and after sampling last year's cider from the barrels in the shed, the ceremony begins. Proceedings are led by Dick Streeter and the men of the Broadwood Morris. Firstly the chosen tree is beaten with sticks to wake up any demons lurking within. Then some of last year's cider is poured onto the roots to ensure another good crop this year. First, however, Dick has to check the cider for quality (this usually takes some time). Any demons must then be frightened away by making a loud noise - anything will do: drums, shotguns loaded with blanks, party poppers - one year somebody brought a WW2 air raid siren. Next, pieces of toast to feed the robins must be placed amongst the branches of the tree by a virgin. This always presents a bit of a challenge in Maplehurst. Usually some kind of compromise is reached such as "Phil's never been to Tunbridge Wells - is that any good?". Finally we all sing the Wassail Song:

Wassail! Wassail! all over this town
Our toast it is white and out ale it is brown
Our bowl it is made from the white maple tee
With our Wassailing bowl we'll drink to thee.

Then its back to the White Horse for more of JB's cider (which is permanently on tap) and much revellry and song.