A pagan spring rite mixes with River Wandle initiative

A pagan ritual dance brought colour and vitality to the early spring air in an event that also served as a fundraiser for the South East Rivers Trust appeal to monitor and restore the River Wandle after the recent disastrous diesel spill.

Sunday’s afternoon of merriment – which traditionally aims to ‘wake up’ the orchard trees, included dancing, singing, rustic play and banging pots and pans to scare away ‘orchard sprites’.

The Madder Mill Molly dancers took part in the ‘Wassail’ gathering – which traditionally is an alcoholic feast to bless the new season. There were certainly warming apple drinks and apple cakes on offer here.

Babs Guthrie, chair of the of Poulter Park and Revesby Wood Friends, which put on the event outside the Mitcham and Carshalton and Rugby Club, said: “We were really pleased with the turnout today for our first Wassail in Poulter Park, which raised £765 for the South East Rivers Trust.”

Pictured top: Nicky Power, Suzie Walker and Isobel Harris by a tree in orchard, very much entering into the spirit of the occasion (Picture: Auriel Glanville)