Elephant up a Pole Wassail 2017
Brandon Marshes Nature Reserve , Coventry - Sunday 15th January 2017
Normally September to April is our practice season ( 7.45pm/9.45pm every Thursday at Braybrooke Village Hall) but we do make exceptions so on Sunday 15th January 2017 we attended the annual 'Elephant up a pole' Wassail at Brandon Marshes near Coventry . Wassailing is an ancient 'country' custom which is carried out in Orchards to persuade the apple trees to produce a bumper crop of apples for cider making. It involves sing and reciting poetry to the trees,dancing round them, banging the ground or making a loud noise with saucepan lids, dustbin lids (if you can find metal ones), and drums to drive away evil presences and finally decorating the trees with pieces of toast soaked in cider to attract bugs which will help pollinate the trees. Beforehand Morris sides of different traditions including Braybrooke's Cotswold , 2 Border Morris , Clog , Step and Molly Dancing had provided around 2 hours entertainment in pouring rain - but it didn't stop the activities. A great if damp time was had by everyone
SIdes contributing were
Silhill/Elephant up a Pole Border Morris
Black Adder Clog
Black Annis Molly Dancers
Step on Board - Step and Clog Dancers
Braybrooke Morris (Cotswold)
Solo Clog dancer