A BOUNTY of fruit, food, flowers and felicitations are heading into the community thanks to the generosity of pupils, staff and parents at a North-East school.
Around 200 boxes, packed with goodies, filled the chapel at Barnard Castle School, the fruits of Prep School pupils’ labours for the annual harvest festival celebrations.
Families were invited to join pupils and staff for a special seasonal service of songs, readings and prayers conducted by chaplain Father Darren Moore.
After the service, teacher Louise Rowlandson organised the distribution of the collection, including cash donations of £280, to Teesdale Day Clubs and the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution.
“They are both really good causes,” Mrs Rowlandson said. “Teesdale Day Clubs provide lunches in village halls and a bit of welcome company for people in the area. I attended one and it was so lovely as they really appreciated everyone’s efforts. Some of the food was also sent to the YMCA and the pupils’ festival cards were distributed to the elderly.
“The Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution supports farmers and their families through difficult times, another cause close to our hearts.”
Teesdale Day Clubs Manager Madeleine Walton said: “There was a huge amount of food donated, which we have made good use of. It has been a real community project and the food has reached all parts of the dale and all generations. On behalf of the recipients I would like to thank the school and its parents for their generosity.”
Headmistress Laura Turner added: “I was absolutely thrilled to see how many families turned up for the harvest festival service, the chapel was packed, and everyone’s generosity was boundless.
“It’s the ‘Barney Way’ to constantly think of others and it is so heartwarming to see the children and their families respond so magnificently to help their local community.”
Teesdale Day Clubs Manager Madeleine Walton said: “ I was delighted to accept the produce from the Harvest Festival, on behalf of the Association. There was a huge amount of food donated, which we have made good use of. It has been a real community project, as I shared some of the food with Barnard Castle YMCA, who in turn gave some to the Influence Church Foodbank.
“The food has reached all parts of the dale and all generations – and a lot of people have benefited. I am delighted to say that none of it has been wasted. On behalf of the recipients I would like to thank Barnard Castle Prep School and its parents for their generosity.”