Butcher's Arms Carhampton Wassailing 2009 a success despite bad weather

The Wassail celebrations in Carhampton were going with a swing at the The Butcher's Arms when I finally got to this popular West Somerset pub on 17th January 2009, after a desperate dash from a gig I was playing with some other folkies earlier in the evening.

As a consequence of all this rushing about, I managed to forget my little digital camera to record some of the festivities.

Thanks, therefore, to expert and professional local photographer George Ody for stepping in and giving me permission to publish these Wassail photographs he took.

I had wondered whether the Wassail would take place because the weather was seriously rainy for the rest of the evening. However, at one point, apparently, the weather suddenly went calm for a few minutes allowing the Wassail ceremonies to take place.

Strange, you might say, but then the Wassailing tradition has continued for many years unbroken and perhaps that hasn't been by accident :-)



Wassail means 'good health' - it's an old tradition, designed to ensure the local apple trees would serve up a good harvest in the coming year. Guns are shot into the branches of the apple trees to scare away evil spirits and toast dipped in cider are placed about the tree while the Wassailing song is sung.



For me, it's a great opportunity to get together with all the local West Somerset and Exmoor folk musicians and play a few traditional folk tunes.

Perhaps I'll see you there next year - if the Wassail be willing :-)

By for now

Rob

Rob Hopcott - online author, folk musician and avid wassailer