***WASSAIL - A RIP ROARING SUCCESS!***

Hunters Moon's annual Wassail was held again this year in association with Middle Farm, Firle, Nr. Lewes. The day dawned like a winter wonderland - early arrivals at the farm to set up were met by a glittering host of trees, a frozen duck pond and minus 6 in temperature! The animals were slightly confused and a bit put out to be kicked out of the barn but Rod and Helen from the farm had kindly made our lives easier by filling it with hay bales and bedecking it with wonderfully villagey bunting. Much cutting down of greenery and setting up of stage ensued and some of the girlies ventured to the orchard to bedeck the trees with tatters.

At 6 o'clock the fun started as the throngs started to fill the barn. Much frivolity followed with dancing outside under the beautiful full moon from us and our visitors Mythago and Bacchus, drumming from Pentacle Drummers and a Mummers play. Our Newbies really excelled themselves with their dancing - we were all thrilled with their performance and more to the point they all loved the adrenaline rush! Reminds us all of what it's like to be new and do that first dance out!

The first torches were lit and with the drummers keeping up a steady beat the procession wound its way down the torchlit path to the Orchard. A huge bonfire was lit and much Wassailing of trees and singing commenced culminating in the blessing of the orchard by Lynda and the sharing of wassail cake and cider with the trees. It was all back to the barn for a fantastic barndance with Rattlebone and Dave Rannie from Long Man Morris who kindly came and called for us. The barn was heaving with happy, smiley people of all ages, supping local brew, eating local sausages and having a wonderful (free) time. As the evening wound down, local band Lackadaisy entertained us and helped the tired masses calm down a bit! We were over the (Hunters) moon that so many came and had such a good time. Over 400 we reckon this year!

Huge thanks go to Rod and Helen at Middle Farm for their continuing support and efforts in making the Wassail such a success. Big hugs to all the sides that came along and added to the colour and spectacle for the evening. Bit girly wet kisses to everyone in the side who pitched up early on Saturday to help set up and early(ish) on the Sunday to pack it all away again. Special thanks to Ray and Lynda Lindfield and Garry who helped set up the lighting in the barn and outside, Chris and Simon for setting up the stage and sound and Christine for her great Squireship keeping us all together.

Here's to Wassail 2010!