HARVEST Festival celebrations at Dunannie and Dunhurst culminated with a donation to Petersfield Food Bank.

Pupils at the Bedales Prep and Pre-prep schools got a lesson in compassion, reflection and gratitude by coming together with staff and parents to make the donation. The goods were delivered last week by Dunhurst’s head of community service, Jonathan Peers.

The celebration included a harvest lunch and a special assembly where pupils dressed up in autumnal costumes and gave a heartwarming adaptation of Helen Cooper’s Pumpkin Soup.

Year 3 pupils also played an important role by foraging foliage for the Harvest Festival decorations and designing the covers of the programmes.

Pupils were also joined by Bedales Senior’s Head of Outdoor Work Andrew Martin, who spoke about the importance of community, compassion and supporting others.

Head of Bedales Prep, Colin Baty commented: “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 Bedales Prep and Pre-prep families to our local Food Bank is wonderful. It is so important that we continue to reach out and support our community.”

Head of Bedales Pre-prep Fiona Read added: “The children felt a wonderful sense of being able to come together and support people in the wider community. Thank you everyone.”