12 January 2025, 2:30pm.
Start at Trumpington Orchard,
process to Clay Farm Community Garden.

I like the change from one year to the next to be a gradual tilt, a gentle slide through the darkness towards just a little more light. I ease myself into my resolutions, if I make any, and give myself time to reflect, to look back before I start marching forward towards all the tasks that await me. One thing that makes the transition easier is having something to look forward to in the new year. Our annual wassail, that blessing and celebration of orchards and their fruit, is a point of bright light, a feeling of kindness and sharing. Whatever the weather, there is an atmosphere of friendship and delight in the natural world. So join us, because everyone is welcome in the orchard. You can participate, or just observe, as you prefer. The origins of the wassail go back centuries, but the main ingredients are singing, blessing the apple trees with cider (or juice) and thanking the trees for the apples. So it’s a flexible event. Our singing will be supported by community folk musicians who are a regular feature of our celebrations. This year we are starting in the orchard and processing to Clay Farm Community Garden, where hot mulled apple juice will be served.
The practical details:
This event is suitable for accompanied children as well as adults. It’s a free event but donations are extremely welcome, because they are the only source of income for our orchard. Wrap up warm, wear sensible outdoor footwear. A torch is a good idea too. There are no facilities at the orchard, but there are some at the community gardens. If you have to come by car, please share transport and park with the utmost consideration for our neighbours and local residents. Trumpington Orchard is next to the Guided Busway stop, and has good access via cycle paths.