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Waes hal

On Sunday 17 January 2010 we welcomed the Grimsby Morris men to our orchard for our 3rd and their 28th annual Waes-hal. The Anglo-Saxon 'waes hael' means to be healthy. Wassailing apple trees was thought to encourage a good crop. Family and friends gatherered in the orchards, usually on the Old Twelfth Night (January 17). There would be singing, dancing and drinking; frightening off the evil spirits whilst praising and toasting the 'Apple Gods'.

We were again lucky with the weather, no snow and no rain. The event kicked off at 11am. A bonfire was lit to symbolize the heat and light of the coming summer. The Grimsby Morris men performed a couple of dances to a large and appreciative crowd.This was followed by a merry and noisy procession around all our trees, a toast to Pomona, the Goddess of Apples, and lots of noise to frighten off the evil spirits and wake the sleeping trees. Pieces of cider-soaked toast were placed on the branches of the trees for the robins, the guardian spirits of the trees. There was more dancing, and of course more cider, and a thoroughly good time was had by all.

The festivities then moved on to the Prussian Queen. There followed more dancing and , of course, more drinking. After some refreshment there was an inspirational performance of a traditional Lincolnshire Plough play. This was well received by an enthusiastic audience.We would like to thank the Grimsby Morris men for another thoroughly enjoyable day. We seem to be getting better crops each year, so they must doing some good.We look forward to their return next year on 18 January 2011.

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