A wheely good walk and a Wassail | Sun 5th May

Our GM Walking Festival event is aimed at families just like our own, neurodiverse, a little bit wacky (we're kind of obsessed with apples and orchards) and throw in some wheelchair action and you're close.
We'll be meeting in the Car Park of Reddish Vale Vistors Centre which has ample but limited disabled parking.
I'll be wearing hi-viz so we shouldn't be hard to spot when you arrive. Once we're all registered* and gathered we'll parade to the beautifully kept orchard where co-founder of Manchester Fruit Tree Coop and your 'Yowler' (the Wassail leader) will regale you with the history of local orchards, wassailing traditions and orchard-y tales. We'll read some age-appropriate stories (our kids are 6, 10 and 12), maybe play a game or two and we'll teach and sing our wassail song to you all. We'll crown an orchard king and/or queen who will lead the toast** hanging (yes 'toast' hanging) and recite a blessing to the trees and give a small offering of apple juice to the trees. And maybe have a few orchard surprises up our sleeves too.
EXTRA SPECIAL TOAST
We also have some very special toast which you can write on, so perhaps consider leaving a thought, a prayer, a poem or prose in the trees for the general public to discover.

TOILETS:
Nearest Changing Places toilet is at Stockport Interchange (1.4miles). We should have the key to the disabled loo which is on site at the car park.

*REGISTRATION
Pre-event registration is essential but we're aware the event is getting published wider so we may expect some walk-ins. We would like to take photos on the day - please alert us if you don't want you or your children to appear in any future publicity.
DISTANCE
This is not too long of a walk, approx 200m from the car park to the orchard. You're of course welcome to explore the wider green space if you need to wander off.
TIMING
We'll congregate from 2pm - setting off for the orchard around 2:15pm. Our walk, stories, games and wassail shouldn't last more than an hour.
OUR HOSTS
We'll take zero credit for the wonderous space this event is hosted in! The wonderful Anne and her husband, the wider Friends of Reddish Vale Country Park and SMBC are responsible for its upkeep.
As an orchard leader once said to me "orchards are venues" and what a venue this is! We hope it's going to be a very special event indeed.
ACCESSIBILITY:
Accessible to all, especially kids with wheels, their parents, carers, friends and families. The walk is flat with a mix of road, trails and paths. The orchard is grassy and you're welcome to bring your own picnic mats, chairs and snacks.
ALLERGIES:
** Our toast is 'special toast' it's totally 100% edible but if you have allergies we'll have the ingredients list on hand.
DISCLAIMER
The event is being hosted in a public space which is open to all, please keep young children with you at all times.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Reddish Vale Country Park, Reddish Vale Road, Stockport, United Kingdom