THE annual Wassail tradition at Berry Hill Community Orchard has been given a boost by a local craftsman.

Charles Smith made a Wassail bowl to go alongside the ceramic vessel that has been used for the last three years.

Members of the local community, pupils of Berry Hill School and the Wild Oats Morris joined the Vicar of Christchurch, Rev Tony Williams, to toast the orchard in time-honoured fashion.

While there were soft drinks for the children, there was cider and spiced wine – donated by cider makers Westons – for the event on Friday afternoon (January 18).

Toast was hung on the trees and cider poured over the ground to encourage the orchard to again be fruitful this year.

There were also songs such as The Gloucestershire Wassail and The Holly and the Ivy.

People also paraded around the orchard.

Following the event, they walked to the Globe Inn for more food and drink.