Two Wassails in Swindon

Wassailing is very popular in Swindon, and all around the West Country, and probably has spread further afield. The idea is lovely, it's a welcoming of the new growing year, and a coming together of people in the community, particularly those who enjoy celebrating the changing  seasons and lengthening days of January. I looked up wassailing and found interesting articles and definitions.
The two wassails in Swindon are based on blessing orchards and 'waking up tree spirits from winter slumber and warding off evil spirits'. One was held at Twigs Community Gardens on Saturday 12 January, I missed this one because of the Pennard Plants Potato Day hosted by SALGA. If you click on the Twigs link, you'll find a video of their wassail.
I was able to go to the Queen's Park Secret Garden wassail which according to their Facebook page, invited you to  'Come and wish our apple trees an abundance of fruit and bring kazoos, drums, pots and spoons to drive out the spirits and awaken Old Man Apple! Then hang a wish for 2019 on an apple tree and enjoy hot drinks, cake and drumming from Bang to Rites!' The Secret Garden's Facebook page lets you know about working parties which will start soon. Gardening help always welcomed.
It was a lovely occasion despite the dampness of the weather, my favourite photo is of the wassail king and queen helping bless the apple tree with cider and bits of toast cut into heart shapes

and before that, Bang to Rites drummers encouraged a general waking up of Old Man apple, we sang 'Here We Come A-Wassailing' a traditional song with an extra verse by C.Smith 2017:
'Now bless our Secret Garden, likewise its keepers too
Let all the plants within its walls grow well the whole year through.'

 Will also sang a traditional 'Lostwithiel Wassail Song

 and also Carhampton Wassail song and chant, all wonderfully led by Chantelle Smith, in the green coat, who has a fabulous singing voice. If you click on the link over Chantelle's name, you'll find out where you can hear her singing under less challenging conditions!!

 You can see the last of the toast being hung here below, and let's hope we have  fantastic apple crops this year.