Page 161 - WDT Winter 2018 japan

gathered among the cheering revelers. Tarted up in rainbow- Members of a local band play traditional
colored rags and top hats, they engaged in a series of music upon a hay stage. Top: Wassail
queen Karen Jensen pours cider onto the
carefully choreographed advances and retreats, hooting and roots of an apple tree.
clicking sticks whenever they were within striking distance.

Perhaps inspired (or alarmed) by their derring-do, Bob Cork,
Shepton Mallet Cider Mill’s general manager, stepped out
into the rain in his wool coat and wellies to deliver a short
safety speech, warning all in attendance not to poke their
eyes out with low-lying branches as we headed into the

WINEDINEANDTRAVEL.COM 161