The Wellington Wassailers went about their annual rituals on Saturday, January 14. 

Wassailing is an historic custom. Those who take part, the Wassailers, perform rites in the apple orchards to bless the trees and ward off evil spirits – so-called Maulscrawls. 

These activities range from pouring libations of cider upon the trees, to the banging of drums and blowing of whistles to scare off troublesome phantoms. 

From the Cottage Inn, the Welly Wassailers headed off to the community orchard at Swaine’s Lane. Mr Double Danger the 2nd of the Wellington Folk and Custom Society said he “was surprised how many was willing to leave the warmth and comfort of the pub, to brave the Winter night, the pub car park was packed with revellers ready to go, it was great."

The many Wassailers in attendance were treated to a brief history of the tradition delivered by the Mistress of Ceremony Nikke Clark. She told of how the ancient custom derives its name from the Anglo-Saxon salutation meaning “to be well.” 

The revellers went on to bang their drums, clap their hands and shout, as is the historic custom, to scare off any nearby Maulscrawls. Afterward the group were led in the singing of traditional Wassailing songs, before retreating to the Cottage Inn with the arrival of rain. 

The Bootstrap Border Morris Team were in attendance, who were said to have danced in the Cottage Inn car park with their “wild” dances. 

The evening carried on at the bar, as Mr Double Danger the 2nd thanked participants for ensuring the Wassail remained a “living tradition.” 

The Welly Wassailers report that a merry and jolly Wassail was had by all.