The age-old Somerset custom of Wassailing will be returning to Midsomer Norton this coming Saturday, 14th January at mid-day.
Everyone is invited to this free community event, with Wassailers of all ages gathering at the Town Hall from 11.30 a.m. for a 12 noon start, and due to finish just after 1 p.m.
Wassailing is an ancient custom that was once popular throughout Somerset, the word ‘wassail’ deriving from the old Anglo-Saxon term ‘waes hael’, meaning ‘good health’. The tradition is that people visit apple orchards and recite rhymes and sing songs to awaken the apple trees in order to encourage a good harvest for the coming year.
Organised by a partnership of the Midsomer Norton Society and the Community Trust, the event will begin with the crowning of the Wassail King and Queen. Master of Ceremonies will be Martin Horler, from Kilmersdon, who will lead everyone to two sites within the town.
As part of the event, four new apple trees have been planted, and will be dedicated on the day to people in the town who made a significant contribution to protecting and promoting its heritage during their lifetimes: David Fisher, Ted Hallam, David Strawbridge and Norman Voake.
All this has been possible thanks to the support of local B&NES Councillor, Michael Evans, who has allocated money from his Ward Councillor Initiative Fund to pay for the apple trees and commissioned Wassail Cups. It was local potter, Christopher Wortley, who designed and made two Wassail Cups for the town which, along with the Midsomer Norton Society, he presented to Midsomer Norton Town Council on Monday evening.
“It’s fantastic that the community is looking to revive the tradition of Wassailing in the town. At the next Council meeting I will be proposing that the new Wassail Cups are gifted to the Town Trust, and are held in trust for future generations to use and enjoy,” said Paul Myers, Town Mayor.
The Wassail King and Queen are being organised by the Midsomer Norton and District Carnival Association and will sprinkle apple juice around the bases of the trees in the Garden of Friendship. A toast will be put in the branches, and all present will say the Wassailing rhyme and drink either cider (for adults) or apple juice (for children) before passing on to St Chad’s Well.
Everyone will then return to the Town Hall Assembly Room for free apple cake, especially made by Muffins Bakery in the High Street. Ploughman’s meals will be available if booked and paid for online at: www.midsomer nortoncommunitytrust.co.uk or by ringing: 01761 419476.