Holly Lodge Centre staff and volunteers recently revived the ancient tradition of wassailing to celebrate our nature trail and orchard. The festive event, planned and led by staff member, Astrid Hilne, bought everyone together for an afternoon of music, merriment and good cheer.
Astrid provided an engaging introduction to the history of wassailing before a ceremonial King was crowned. The group then embarked on a noisy procession along the nature trail, banging pots and pans with wooden sticks, accompanied by volunteer Terry on ukulele and his wife Sarah on fiddle.
Reaching the orchard, the celebration continued with singing, dancing, storytelling and the sharing of wishes for the coming year. The boisterous revellers aimed to awaken the ‘good tree spirits’ and ensure a bountiful harvest. The festivities included warm apple drinks and apple cake, leaving all participants with a sense of joy and community.
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