Bracknell care home residents and pupils join forces for Harvest Festival fun

 

A care home in Bracknell joined forces with a local primary school children to celebrate Harvest Festival.  

Residents at Care UK’s Bickerton House, on Warfield Road, were joined by Wooden Hill Primary School children for an a-maize-ing afternoon as they celebrated the annual festival.  

Everyone enjoyed an afternoon learning about the origins of the festival, what it means for today’s society and why this long-standing tradition should not be forgotten. A special service was led by Reverend Beth Quainton, from the Holy Trinity Church, before the children and residents enjoyed a series of autumn crafts and musical games together. 

Each year, Harvest Festival celebrates the time when crops have been gathered from fields and people can reflect and show gratitude for the food that they have. It dates back to when people relied on local crops for food and famers would give thanks for a good harvest.

Commenting on the afternoon’s celebrations, resident Elizabeth Watkins, 98, said: “I was so happy to see all the children celebrating harvest festival. I used to be thankful for the harvest and we always were grateful for food and the work that went into it. 

“It made me smile to see the children so excited for the pumpkin treats, which the residents made. We should always be thankful for all we have and celebrate it.”

Michael Pallister, Home Manager at Bickerton House, added: “It was fantastic to welcome Wooden Hill Primary School children to Bickerton House to celebrate the annual Harvest Festival tradition and explore its importance today. 

“Harvest Festival is a day in the calendar where we can reflect and show gratitude for the food that we have, while serving as an opportunity to connect with others, regardless of age or background, and celebrate the cultural diversity which helps make Bracknell a great place to call home.  

“Everyone had an a-maize-ing day and we’re already looking forward to our next event with Wooden Hill Primary children as we race towards Christmas!”

Bickerton House has been designed to encourage residents to live active and fulfilling lives, while remaining as independent as possible in a safe environment. The state-of-the-art care home provides full-time residential, nursing and specialist dementia care and features a bar and café, cinema, hair salon, activities room and garden.