TO the delight of locals and visitors alike, the Woolhope Wassail was held on January 10.

Approximately eighty people assembled at The Crown Inn, as publican Matt Slocombe, resplendent in a traditional wassailing coat and hat passed out warming mulled cider and prepared to light the torches for the annual procession.

Once rugged up in warm coats, hats and gloves, the party proceeded through the church yard and across the Berryfield to the nearest orchard to hold the ceremony.

The purpose of wassailing is to awake the cider apple trees and to scare away evil spirits to ensure a good harvest of fruit in the autumn. The Woolhope Wassail ceremony was made up of an opening song, led by Ted Mitson, followed by the torch lighting and procession. Boxes signifying the disciples were lit which provided warmth and light for the events of the evening. The Queens of the Wassail were lifted up into the boughs of the chosen apple tree where they placed toast as a gift to the tree spirits. Then the Kings of Wassail poured the remains of last years cider under the tree and a poem was read.

Finally, the assembled crowd yelled and shouted and bangers were thrown down in order to make as much noise as possible ensuring the ceremony was a resounding success.