Bedales Prep and Pre-prep celebrate Harvest Festival
Pupils at Bedales Prep, Dunhurst and Pre-prep, Dunannie took part in the schools’ annual Harvest Festival celebration last week.
Traditionally a time for reflection and gratitude, revised protocols to adhere to COVID-related restrictions meant that this year’s event adopted a slightly different format to previous years – but the sentiment remained the same as ever.
Children at Dunannie attended a Harvest celebration assembly on Thursday, where they learnt about the history of the event as well as the importance of sharing with those in need, with a particular focus on the work of food banks in the UK. Dunhurst held a virtual Harvest assembly on Teams, which included music performances and poetry readings from pupils.
As in previous years, pupils at both Dunannie and Dunhurst brought in donations for Petersfield Area Churches Together (PACT) Food Bank, which was delivered by a team of Friends of Dunannie (FoD) volunteers.
At Dunannie, children also enjoyed taking part in Harvest-themed activities, including making pumpkin bread and apple jam with produce grown at school, painting pumpkins in art and singing Harvest songs. Dunhurst pupils also planted a cherry ‘Tree of Hope’ in Outdoor Work, before tying ribbons of their thoughts onto the tree; the idea is that their thoughts will grow and blossom with the tree. The Harvest Festival celebrations concluded with a traditional Ploughman’s lunch prepared by the school’s catering team.
Head of Dunhurst Colin Baty said: "It is the time of year when farmers harvest but also a time of thanks for what we have sowed and are now reaping in food. The generosity of both Dunhurst and Dunannie families to the local food bank has been wonderful. It is so important that we continue to reach out and support our community."
Acting Head of Dunannie Sharon Rose added: “The children felt a wonderful sense of being able to come together and support those less fortunate than themselves in the wider community. A great day was had by all.”
