Richs Farmhouse Cider
Mill Farm, Highbridge, Watchfield, TA9 4RD
Telephone: 01278 783651
Fax: 01278 786651
Email: jan@richscider.co.uk
Richs Cider Farm hosted the traditional Somerset festivity, Wassailing, on Saturday 17th January 2009. The charity event for the Somerset Unit for Radiotherapy Equipment attracted more than 200 people and raised £    . With the Live band, The Mangled Wurzels, supported by Fred Bloggs, the event created a lively atmosphere in which was enjoyed by the locals both young and old. 
Wassailing is an old custom that takes place on Old Twelfth Night (17 January, pre 1752 and the adoption in Britain of the Gregorian calendar) or thereabouts, to exhort apple trees to fruit well the following season. Customs and songs differ from place to place. Cider is poured onto the roots and shots fired through the branches to ward off evil spirits. Warm cider is drunk and toast soaked in cider is placed in the branches for the robin by the Wassail Queen. Traditional Wassail songs are sung throughout the ceremony.