We returned yet again to lead the wassailing of the apple trees at Stretton Watermill with the largest crowd so far, it's becoming very well established in the calendar of traditions with some great support from the local community.
Sixty or so wassailers gathered and enjoyed mulled cider.
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We shared the story of the apple tree man.
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The company of wassailers processed through around the mill to all the apple trees accompanied by the beating of drums and ringing of bells to drive away the evil spirits.
We hung toast in the branches for the birds.
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We sang the apple tree wassail, then cider was poured on the roots of the oldest, most ancient apple tree and a gun fired through the branches.
Then it was off to the Carden Arms for a good catch up with the wassailers, the sharing of cider from the wassail cup and much music.
The apple trees have been doing very well since we started wassailing them four years back, and the tradition is great fun, but only works so well as a result of everyone's efforts and support. Thank you and wassail!