An ancient ritual will take place in Colchester this weekend

Tradition - on croyait que le wassail contribuait à la santé des pommes <i>(Image: Lexden Conservation Society)</i>”  data-src=”https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/NJV3FK.4jKiUp8SOVkoZ.w–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTY0MA–/https://media.zenfs.com/en/colchester_evening_gazette_178/3320170a22794bb329179a” data-src=”https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/NJV3FK.4jKiUp8SOVkoZ.w–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTY0MA–/https://media.zenfs.com/en/colchester_evening_gazette_178/3320170a22794bb329191a “/></div>
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<p><figcaption class=Tradition – wassail was believed to help keep apples healthy (Image: Lexden Conservation Society)

The LEXDEN Conservation Society will meet this Sunday to hold an ancient ritual that was once believed to help keep trees healthy.

The group, which formed in 1986 in opposition to the Lexden Park developments, now cares for and maintains Lexden House Orchard, off London Road.

At 2pm this Sunday at the former orchard of Lexden House, London Road, the group will hold a traditional wassail if the weather remains dry.

Some groups in the apple-growing areas of England recite an incantation, which is a series of words said like a magic spell or spell, but committee member Jackie Briggs said the Lexden Conservation Society keeps it a bit more discreet.

Gazette: It’s literally a toast to an apple tree

It’s literally a toast to an apple tree (Image: Lexden Conservation Society)

She said: “Some bands really go to town with this and do a folk dance and sing a wassail song, but we just have apple cake, apple cider, apple juice and drink tree toast for wish good health.

Ms Briggs, who joined the group four years ago, added: “People can come and join us and find out what we do.

“If you are like a like-minded person who likes to conserve green spaces, you are welcome to do so.”

Anyone interested in joining can contact the group at [email protected].

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