Well I managed to make it to the Wassailing "Good Health" ceremony last evenging, and joined the 100 or so folk who gathered around the bonfire in the centre of the Town Barton Farm Orchards.  With myself running late as always, the crowds had already processed (probably meandered to be honest) , following behind the local Morris Men from the Lamb Inn.  After the traditional shooting of the spirits from the trees ( a couple of local farmers with their shotguns) and a Mummers play performed by local characters it was time to take my first sip of the commumal Wassailing cup, containing mulled local cider. This went down far too easily. The chat around the fire centered on the "special qualities" of cider with comments including "it's not like any other alcholoic drink you know" .... "it does strange things to your mind", well at least that's what I think was said!  I took the chance to catch up with Barney Butterfield (of award winning Sandford Orchards going from strength to strength), to ask a little more about the history of the ceremony.  I'm sure he explained beautifully but the pressing of another of glass of that mulled "special" drink has addled my mind to the extent that all I can remember is something about Wassail Kings and Queens, and singing and drinking (there's that word again) to the health of the trees.  I do remember my meander back to the warmth of the Lamb with host farmers Dave and Debbie Munday, before heading back to Gutton.  Oh ,almost forgot , Barney assures me that the Wassail ceremony transfers to all orchards so be prepared for another bumper crop of apples in our own orchards this autumn.