Villagers gathered at Quiet Corner Farm in Henstridge on Saturday, January 21, for the annual Wassail ceremony in the old orchard.

Aiming to encourage a bumper apple crop, the group carried illuminating lanterns and were warmed by several bonfires, through the generosity of Stalbridge Timber.
“Following the ancient custom around 40 revellers, banging pots and pans to ward off evil spirits and to wake the trees up from their winter slumber, joined The Wassail King for the ceremony around one of the orchard’s oldest trees to bring a good harvest this year,” said an organiser.

The Anglo-Saxon word, Wassail, means ‘be in good health’.
The traditional ritual involves making offerings to the apple tree in the form of toast placed in the branches, cider poured round the base of the tree and singing a carol to it.
After the ceremony in Henstridge, everyone enjoyed hot mulled apple juice, more song and a good bite to eat in the barn, organisers said.