The Craven Vale Community Centre were delighted to be able to hold their annual Wassail after last year's Covid-19 disruptions. They hosted their own version of this ancient tradition last Saturday to bless their orchard of 70 fruit trees scattered around the estate.
Wassaliling is a pagan ceremony where groups of people gather to bless trees in the hope of an abundant harvest this autumn. Craven Vale Estate's apple, pear and plum trees produce delicious fruit that anyone from the community can take and use, so a bumper harvest is especially welcome. The group sip hot mulled apple cider and sing to the health of the trees. So far the Wassailing seems to be working. The group have noticed plenty of apples on the trees that have been blessed!
Despite the bad weather, there was a terrific atmosphere at the event which included gorgeous headdresses made of natural foliage from Sarah's arts and crafts, song and, of course, mulled cider!
The event was filmed by Latest TV. You can see their report on the event here.
