Wassail 2017

Post date: Feb 05, 2017 3:36:18 PM

On Saturday 7th January hoards of noisy locals descended upon Headless Cross to partake in the annual wassail.

Our usual Town Crier, Bromsgrove's Kevin Ward was sadly unavailable, so orchard volunteer Liz Jennings stepped up to stand in as Orchard Crier.

The crowds gathered at The Rocklands Social Club before commencing upon a clamorous march to the Green and a cacophonous circumnavigation of the orchard banging drums (or saucepans), blowing whistles and ringing bells. Those bad spirits were well and truly frightened off!

The revellers were given a warm cup of mulled Headless Cross Cider to 'toast' the apple trees and the singing began, accompanied by members of Arrow Valley Brass.

Unfortunately as we were toasting the trees, two delinquents -Mayhem Havoc and Chaos Trouble, started a rumpus, dropping litter on the ground! Fortunately at that point, Brave Sir Doddin appeared in his day-glo stockings, to save the orchard from the litter dropping louts!

The wassail continued with the Wassail Queen Bara'a adorning the oldest apple tree with toast soaked in cider, to ensure a fruitful harvest, and then a final round of singing 'Juice-Alem'.

Many thanks go out to:

Arrow Valley Brass Band

Wassail Queen - Bara'a

The Delinquents - Steve & Bob

Brave Sir Doddin - Alistair, who also wrote the script

Wassail Crier - Liz

Orchard volunteers - Helena, Gabby, Lee, Simon, Neil, Ella, Paul.

Residents of Headless Cross and the surrounding areas, we appreciate your support!