Wassail in Pockett’s Orchard

GG and I attended the first-ever wassail, or traditional West Country blessing of the apple trees, in Pockett’s orchard, by the lower reaches of the Cotswold canal. It was a family affair, with live folk music, singing, audience participation and, of course cider and mulled cider. Some wore masks they’d made themselves, others came as they were, in wellies and outdoor clothing, with stout hearts and strong staffs (GG found one along the way). You really have to zoom in to see the masks and costumes, though.

After the blessing and singing, we didn’t linger, because GG had got very cold. We headed home and went our separate ways. I’ve wanted to attend a wassail event since I read about it in Elizabeth Goudge’s novel, Gentian Hill, set in Devon during the Napoleonic Wars, bearing some resemblance to a Shakespearean play of greater renown. I wonder if any blipper has read it , apart from my sister TML? Goudge’s books were still read by teenage girls of fifty years ago….

I’ll put a shot of the band, DoBunni, in Extras