Villagers hope revival of ancient custom will become an annual tradition

The ‘wassailing’ saw villagers in Hurworth-on-Tees gather to share apple cider and apple cakes, sing traditional wassailing songs, hang toast in the trees to attract robins, and to make as much noise as possible.

A traditional wassailing song was sung to welcome the trees back to life. Picture: Chris Barron (Image: Chris Barron)

The traditional event was organised by Eco People in Croft and Hurworth (EPICH) and chair Pat Simpson said: “We hope this will now become an annual event. Well over 100 people turned out on a cold January afternoon and all had a great time.  Many of the wassailers commented that they hadn’t known the orchard was there, which was great.

“We’ve had plenty of suggestions on how to improve it which we will be taking on board, but in general, from a standing start, it seems to have been a success and something to build on.”

EPICH chair Pat Simpson douses the roots of a tree with apple juice. Picture: Chris Barron

The wassailers shouted, sang, played instruments, and banged pots and pans to ‘wake up’ the trees before spring, and drive away any evil spirits from the Hurworth Heritage Orchard in the grounds of Hurworth Grange Community Centre.

They were led in the traditional songs by local choir No Added Sugar.

It is hoped that the wassailing will help ensure a bountiful harvest of apples, which are grown in the community orchard alongside damsons, pears, plums, and quince. EPICH hopes visitors will help themselves to the fresh fruit once it’s ripe.

Chloë Barron hopes her toast will attract lots of robins, her favourite birds. Picture: Chris Barron

Local resident Karen Wesson said: “It was lovely. I took my grandson, Isaac, because we walk our dog past the orchard and he always wants to know all about it, so this was a great chance to be part of a community activity and show him the importance of it all.

“He also had a great time making a huge noise by banging his pan!”