Have you been down to the woods today

Wassail

9 January 2016

New Ash Green Woodlands Group

Have you been down to the woods today

Welcome back to St Clement’s Clogs…

… and West Hill Morris

A few final programme decisions and then…

… Jerry officially starts the proceedings

Have you been down to the woods today

Are you ready ladies?

Hoops upside your head!

St Clement’s Clogs get the dancing started

Yes, they really do dance in wooden clogs!

Have you been down to the woods today

The Morris always provide music and colour And this year they also treated us to a mummer’s play!

Have you been down to the woods today

A battle ensues between The Turkish Knight & King George

Oh no! Looks like King George has had it!

First the warm-up act…

… as the musicians make ready

Have you been down to the woods today

But… a young volunteer performs some medical wizardry

… and it looks like the Knight will live to fight another day!

But no… he’s up again and fighting back

The foe is finally vanquished

Have you been down to the woods today

… especially with the warmth brought by the torch-bearers

Next is the torch-lit procession to the orchard

Even the rain doesn’t dampen our spirits…

Have you been down to the woods today

… while the little robins wait…

… to be fed their toast and cheese Jerry leads the traditional wassail chant….

Have you been down to the woods today

The King tree in a blaze of blue glory

Have you been down to the woods today

It’s great to see them joining in…

… and having a great time by the look of it!

St Clements Clogs encouraging …

… the youngsters to take part in the dancing

Have you been down to the woods today

… but it’s not as good as these two!

And Sue’s dancing to her own tune with the Wassail Tree!

Hey Carole, where’s your hat?

Martin’s got his…

Have you been down to the woods today

Hello, who let the frogs in?

Ah, a great vantage point from the top of the top hat

Great to see Erith Drum Club back again this year

And it’s not just the humans that are enjoying themselves