DURSLEY residents wassailed at the Vale Community Hospital to celebrate the first anniversary of the site’s orchard and allotments.

On Sunday, February 19 more than 30 residents including Dursley Mayor Cllr Neil Grecian gathered to celebrate the growth of the young apple trees.

The wassail was the idea of Amanda Godber from Down to Earth Stroud who managed the project.

She said: We were delighted with the turnout, it was lovely to see the community coming together and it was especially lovely to see so many children taking part.

“This will be the first of many celebrations at this ground-breaking health and community initiative.

“We are sure that the orchard, only planted last year, will now provide in abundance for our ‘allotmenteers’.”

Wassail master Steve Rowley led the proceedings around the tree with music from accordions, drums and some homemade percussion instruments such as a saucepan and spoon.

The group banished the dark winter and celebrated the return of the sun.

Residents sang traditional wassail songs, hung toast in the tree, set off party-poppers, drank cider and ate apple cake.

Wassailing the apple trees with songs in winter is an ancient tradition which aims to awaken the trees from their winter slumber and toasts to a prosperous harvest.

This was the first wassail held at Vale Hospital and Down to Earth hope to make it an annual event, they would also like to thank everyone who came and made this event such a joy.

Allotments are still available on the site and volunteers needed for further work, all donations welcome.

Visit www.downtoearthstroud.co.uk for more information.