The rain held off just long enough for a wonderful wassail in Coney Hall’s community orchard yesterday – proof, perhaps, of the power of community. As you can see, there was even a little sun and plenty of smiles.
An orchard wassail is a traditional ceremony that involves singing and drinking to the health of trees in the hopes that they might better thrive in the coming year. Wassailing involves pronouncing a blessing on a tree often through the singing of a hymn. The purpose is to awaken the trees and to scare away evil spirits to ensure a good harvest of fruit in the Autumn.
The wassail was joined by the wonderful Wild Hunt Morris Dancers, who did an excellent job of scaring away the evil sprits…
Songs were sung and everyone joined in the dancing…
Blessings were written and bestowed on the trees…
So if the trees don’t bear fruit this Autumn, it won’t be for the want of trying!
The wassail was organised by EACH (Environmental Action Coney Hall), and generously sponsored by the Rabbit Hole Tavern. Since 2019, EACH have been working hard to make Coney Hall a pollinator village, by creating wildlife corridors and encouraging residents to protect and promote biodiversity.
Members range from 13 to 80 years old, and they also support young Duke of Edinburgh volunteers who want to work to improve our green spaces. EACH organise litter picks and other events and work with Well Wood volunteers and Friends of the Park.
On Saturday 6 June EACH are holding an open gardens afternoon (please note, the date has changed – it’s moved from Sunday 7 June). Their events are a fantastic way to get to know your community and find tips and inspiration for things you can do to make your garden a friendlier home for wildlife.
Thanks to CHVRA member, Jonathan Moore, for photographing the event.
Coney Hall Village Residents' Association (CHVRA) 