West Berkshire pub's wassailing goes off with a bang!
They never do things by halves at The Bell Inn.
And so the local denizens turned out in force to rattle, clang, clatter, crash, cheer and generally make some noise around the Aldworth pub’s much-loved old apple tree at Friday night’s wassail.
Nationally-known Icknield Way Morris led proceedings in the beer garden, dancing, reciting incantations and singing to the tree with the assembled crowd joining in with traditional songs including Here We Come A-Wassailing, in the ancient custom to encourage a good crop for the coming year.
After the spirits of winter were awakened and evil spirits scared away, the good spirits had to be placated.
The Lady of the Woods hung an offering to the tree in the form of a slice of toast, cider was poured over its ancient trunk and musketeers from the Black Powder Muzzle Loaders from Thames Valley Shooting Club fired a volley of shots through the branches.
The Wassail Butler and Fool to the Wantage-based Icknield Way Morris Men said the side had been pleased with the way the evening went.
“It seemed to us that everyone had a good time,” he said. “Especially the lads with the black powder guns!”
Once the crowd returned to the bar, landlord Hugh Macaulay launched a finale firework, to make sure the only spirits served by The Bell were good.
