As far as we are aware our orchard down Redmoor Lane, Wisbech has never been wassailed. It's not a Fenland custom but they've been Wassailing orchards to scare off evil spirits and encourage the apple trees into growth for hundreds (maybe thousands) of years in Devon, Somerset, Dorset, Gloucestershire and Herefordshire. Slices of bread are either laid at the trees roots or hung in the branches and cider is poured on the roots, this usually takes place on Old Twelfth Night, January 17th but we've been approached by a local group who would like to Wassail our orchard this Friday, 19th February.
If you'd like to attend you'd be very welcome.
7.30pm start at
The Orchard Tea Room & Farm Shop
Redmoor Lane
Wisbech
Cambs
PE14 0RN
Wellies essential as we're rather muddy after all the rain and on this occasion no dogs please as we're told there is going to be some drumming to scare away the evil spirits.
Here's to thee, old apple tree,
That blooms well, bears well.
Hats full, caps full,
Three bushel bags full,
An' all under one tree.
Hurrah! Hurrah!
Hats full, caps full,
Three bushel bags full,
An' all under one tree.
Hurrah! Hurrah!
