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Hop Blessing in the evening sunshine - Hogs Back Brewery

Hop Blessing in the evening sunshine

Over 100 local friends, Hogs Back Hoppers and Tongham TEA Clubbers gathered in the evening sunshine to enjoy the traditional Hop Blessing ceremony on Ascension Day (29th May), followed by a mini Beating the Bounds.

Hop Blessing ceremony in the Hop Garden

The Hop Garden looked a real picture. It’s too early to predict the harvest but the hops are on track to reach the top of the wires by the longest day. 

The Hop Garden has been a real labour of love, to which Hop Estate Manager Matthew will no doubt attest, and it simply wouldn’t be possible without the help of the Hogs Back Hopper volunteers. 

Hogs Back Hoppers with Hop Estate Manager

But for all their dedication, we must acknowledge the need for some help from Mother Nature and invoke the aid of a higher power to ensure a bountiful harvest!

Hogs Back Brewery Hop Blessing 2025

After a few words of welcome from Marketing Director Jill, we were delighted that Rev. Claire Holt from St Paul’s in Tongham (you can see the church spire from the Hop Garden!) was on hand to conduct the ceremony.....

Rev Claire Holt from St Paul's Church in Tongham

......followed by a prayer and a toast with Tongham TEA to an abundant harvest......

Raising a toast for an abundant harvest at the Hop Blessing

.....with a leisurely stroll around the Hop Garden to mark the traditional Beating of the Bounds to follow.

Beating the Bounds at Hop Blessing
In days of yore the local priest would lead a group around the parish boundaries as your parish dictated how much tax you paid and where you could be buried.

Beating the Bounds around the Hop Garden

A pleasant evening was had by all, with proceeds from ticket sales donated to this year's chosen charity, National Autistic Society.

Beating the Bounds around the Hop Garden

Here’s hoping the blessing produces a bounteous hop harvest this September!

Images courtesy of Surrey Hills Photography.

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