A GRAND time was had by all – despite the elements – as the fifth Headless Cross Wassail welcomed in the new year recently.
A traditional ceremony once common throughout England, the aim was to awaken fruit trees from their winter slumber so they could produce a bountiful crop in the autumn.
With borough Mayor Councillor Pattie Hill looking on and complemented by a traditional Mummers comedy play – in verse – and music from the Arrow Valley Brass Band, a hardy crowd dressed in wellies and anoraks enjoyed a fine evening of entertainment on Headless Cross Green.
The evening was compered by Bromsgrove town crier Kevin Ward and everyone was encouraged to make as much noise as possible ‘to waken the trees’ as well as celebrate Redditch’s very own apple tree, the Doddin.
Orchard volunteer Alistair Waugh said: “We had about 40 in the crowd which was pretty good considering the weather, which seemed to hold off until our start time of 7pm.
“Afterwards we went off for a celebratory beer and I was struggling with my voice after we’d made so much noise.”
The Mummers play proved a big success and it is likely it will be played again at other occasions around the town to celebrate the heritage of Redditch.
Click hear to see a video of the evening: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sVuXjNGkvYI .
