I love a bit of tradition. So when someone asked me to be involved in shouting at strangers and putting some toast on a tree, I only had to be told that it had been happening for centuries for me to agree to do it.

Part of the ancient ritual of Wassailing is to put some toast on a tree. I put this photo here in case you didn’t believe me

I went down to the Ovingham Community Orchard on Sunday afternoon to take part in the ritual of wassailing. I’d heard about this ancient practice for all of my life but I’d never actually taken part in it until now.

Around 60 people attended the ceremony. Not everyone was in this picture

The idea is to bless the trees for the coming year in the hope that the Gods who look after such things will see to it that there are plenty of apples to go round in the coming season.

I got there just after the choir had started singing the wassailing songs. Traditional English folk songs, sung beautifully by a mixed group of about 15 people, the sound filling the chilly January air. If the trees were as pleased to hear it as I was, then we’re in for a bumper crop.

The Choir. I’m afraid I didn’t get their name but they sounded perfect.

Then it was my turn to try and encourage the growth. I had been asked to make the proclamation as word had got out that I can be a bit “actory”, and I hope I didn’t let anyone down. It was only an eight line speech, which has been said down the centuries in orchards throughout the nation, and I gave it my all. Unfortunately there were no film crews there so I suspect I won’t be on the BAFTA list this year.

When my piece was over the assembled crowd were encouraged to make as much noise as possible. Pots were struck, pans were clanged and voices were raised. If there were any evil spirits about today I’m sure they’ve all cleared off by now, and the apples can grow in peace.

Immediately after that, everyone took a piece of toast and put it on a tree of their choosing. There are various theories as to why this is considered a normal practice, but my favourite is that it attracts birds to the orchard. The strange thing is, we all went about it with enthusiasm and stood back proudly to view the result. If it doesn’t work, at least we are in with a crack at the Turner Prize.

Mulled cider. A perfect winter drink, I can say from experience!

As with any meeting of English village folk, there was a catering area present. I think its presence must be written in law. Volunteers there provided a variety of apple cakes and mulled cider, and I have to say it was very welcome. Ovingham is a lovely community, and this sort of activity brings everyone together so well.

After the application of toast. The catering gazebo is in the background

It’s on again next year. Don’t miss it!