2024 Wassail at Donkey Lane Community Orchard

Thank you to all our volunteers and visitors who braved the elements to join us at our annual Wassail in Donkey Lane Community Orchard. It was touch and go as to whether it went ahead. Luckily the wind died down (slightly) although we still had to tie down the refreshment table.

We certainly made a lot of noise as we paraded around the Orchard to ward off bad luck and mischievous spirits so they stay away and don’t steal the fruit!

Our thanks to Claire Conway-Crapp from Mid Shires Orchard Group who did a marvellous job of leading the Wassail and to Rev’d Jacky Barr for the final blessing. And of course who could forget our special guest, Stickman who had a great time and hopes to come along to some more of our Orchard events.

Our next event will be the Greening Chinnor Quiz: February 23^rd, 7.15 pm at the Village Hall. Tickets £5 per person, tables of up to 8. Book a table/ticket by calling David on 01844 353349. Cash only please. Can be paid on the door.

The next events at the Orchard will be in conjunction with the South Oxfordshire Archaeology Group 24^th & 25^th February (details to follow) and hopefully our Blossom Day on the 27^th April.

Wassail! Good health, wealth and happiness to you for 2024!

2024 Wassail at Donkey Lane Community Orchard

On Sunday 21^st January, Greening Chinnor & The Mid Shires Orchard Group will be hosting its annual Wassail at Donkey Lane Community Orchard. Bring your noisiest pots and pans to bang to scare away those evil spirits, and join in the merriment as we bless our apple trees for a fruitful harvest in the autumn.

Time

2.00 pm – Start of the Ceremony

The Wassail Ceremony will focus on the special Royal trees, as guardians of all the others. We will:

·       Toast the King and Queen of the Orchard with a loud shout of ‘Wassail, Wassail, Wassail!’

·       Give the Wassail blessing for an abundant harvest from the apple and plum trees

·       Offer a libation of cider, representing a successful harvest, to the roots of the King and Queen

·       Pour cider onto chunks of broken bread, then hang or place these in the tree boughs, as gifts to the robins (it was believed that robins were the corporeal embodiment of apple tree spirits)

·       Dip the branches of the King and Queen of the Orchard into cider and ask blessings on their health

·       Sing the traditional Wassail Songs, accompanied by the Towersey Village Voices choir

·       Make a din to scare off mischievous spirits, by banging drums, blowing horns, beating pots and pans

·       Assembled children (of all ages!) will scatter a festive seed mix, for the wildlife to enjoy

·       Collect cups of cider and apple juice, to prepare a toast to the King and Queen of the Orchard

·       Toast the King and Queen of the Orchard again with a loud shout of ‘Wassail, Wassail, Wassail!’

·       Toast the health of the Wassailers and local community with another ‘Wassail, Wassail, Wassail!’

3.00 pm – Conclusion of the Ceremony

Congregate around the Refreshments Stall to enjoy mulled cider, apple juice and cake

Enjoy a social chat with fellow Wassailers and supporters of Donkey Lane Community Orchard

3.30 pm – Take a tour of the Donkey Lane Community Orchard

·       Take a walk around the Donkey Lane Community Orchard

·       Visit the historic apple and plum trees and learn more about them

·       Discover the site of the old well and the cottages

·       Learn how you can help keep this orchard flourishing, join in working parties and enjoy orchard events

4.00 pm – Conclusion of the Wassail at the Orchard

What to bring and wear

Please dress appropriately for the weather. Layers and sturdy shoes are advisable. Bring pots, pans, drums, shakers, etc.

Accessibility

To find us, head up Keen's Lane, Chinnor, OX39 4PF - cross the railway crossing - the Orchard is directly on the right. Please note that the ground in the Orchard is uneven and likely to be muddy at this time of year it is also particularly wet and muddy in the lane at the Orchard side of the railway crossing.

Entry is FREE with the option of a cash donation. Any voluntary donations go towards our continuing community and conservation work.