Orchard group holds its fourth annual wassailing event

Stamford Community Orchard Group held its fourth annual wassailing event in the orchard at the end of Christ Church Close on Saturday. The fun began after sunset with a queen leading the proceedings and cider poured onto the roots of the largest or most productive tree, considered to be the guardian of the orchard and known as the Apple Tree Man. The proceedings culminated in the gathered crowd making a lot of noise by beating drums to drive away evil spirits and to awaken the sleeping trees. Members of Woven Chords entertained.