On Saturday 15th January 2005, Gents and Lord Lucan from
Hannah More Zider went to check out the blessing of the
apple trees at West Croft Farm's annual Wassailing ceremony.
HMZ Forum contributors Chowie and Jack the Hat, plus Hippo,
Craig, Geordie, Wayne and Keith came along too. As well
as being an amazing, very funny night like we've never experienced
before, the event also raised important funds for Sargent
Cancer Care for Children. Thanks to everyone at West
Croft Farm for a great night, well done. Here are some photos
of the action, I may add more comments when my head recovers,
if ever:
We
head straight for the bar to be served some Janet's Jungle
Juice by these lovely ladies
...cider
is quickly folled by Hog Roast. One of the best ever!
munch
mmmmmm
aaaarrr
fire
is everywhere...
...including
the sky
Suddenly,
the druid appears...
...and
calls the gathered Wassailers to attention.
We
are led to the Master Apple Tree.
Mr
Druid preaches to the masses.
The
Langport Mamas lead us in Wassail song.
We
sing along. That'll soon drive out the evil spirits.
Here
is the toast placed on the apple tree as an offering to
the Robins (who had drawn 0-0 with Bradford earlier that
day).
The
Langport Mamas then perform a play.
While
some more ciders are purchased and consumed near the fire.
We
didn't know Wassailing involved Belly Dancers, but none
of us lot complained.
The
band entertain us with some great tunes, and a Tom Jones
cover.
It's
been a long night. Zzzzzzzzzzzzz
Even
the security man joins the festivities and is soon happy
to be kidnapped in the cider mini-bus and taken back to
Nailsea to be sacrificed to the Cider Gods as a further
offering.
Lord
Lucan & Gents reporting for HMZ (plus Chowie in background).