Harvest is a fairly recent celebration in the Church calendar. The harvest service tradition we know today was started in 1843 by Reverend Robert Hawker, who held a thanksgiving service at his church in Morwenstow, Cornwall. This idea quickly gained popularity, and by 1862, it was officially recognised by the Church of England. Now, schools across the land celebrate Harvest in their own ways, but surely none can surpass the privilege we enjoy of being invited to hold our school celebration in the magnificence of Winchester Cathedral. 

This year the Chamber Choir blessed us with a beautiful anthem, 'We gather together to ask the Lord's blessing' and Year 8s Wilfred, Leon, Harrison, George and Henry took part in the service as readers and acolytes. Thank you boys! Thank you also to our two Year 3 boys who bravely carried a very heavy Harvest Basket to the altar as a symbolic offering of the bounty of harvest. 

Canon Andrew Micklefield spoke engagingly and powerfully about the abundance and generosity of God's gifts and reminded us that the more we have (be that tangible resources like food, or intangible gifts like love and kindness) the more we are able to give away. A poignant reminder to us all as we remember others around the world who are not as fortunate as we are.

And thank you to Teddy for presenting a reel about the service for our Instagram. It was a joy-filled and very informative account of the morning's events. Perhaps a budding reporter in the making?

Mrs Pacey