ABOUT 70 people braved the cold weather to take part in Carhampton Community Orchard’s annual wassail.

The occasion was also an opportunity to say farewell to singer and Master of Ceremonies Martyn Babb, who will be leaving West Somerset this year.

Martyn Babb leads Carhampton's wassail ceremony for the last time.
Martyn Babb leads Carhampton's wassail ceremony for the last time. (Elizabeth Atkinson)

Mr Babb has supported the orchard through its three decades of wassailing, composing his own ballad telling how the site was saved from building development in 1989.

He has performed the ballad to enthusiastic wassail-goers each year, along with the traditional wassail song and other favourites.

The libation of cider being poured on Carhampton's wassail tree.
The libation of cider being poured on Carhampton's wassail tree. (Elizabeth Atkinson)

A spokesperson said: “Martyn will be sadly missed, not only in Carhampton, but across the community orchards of West Somerset, where he has played a major part in supporting the revival of the wassailing tradition.

“We wish him well in his new life.”

The orchard’s Christmas lights were re-lit for the wassail evening, along with some extras for the wassail tree.