During the first week of October, our traditional Harvest Collection and services took place. Considering the rising costs of living, the college decided to support its local Burgess Hill Community Food Bank Burgess Hill which provides a service for individuals and families in Hurstpierpoint, Hassocks and Burgess Hill.
Pupils across the year groups, from the youngest to the oldest, were encouraged to bring in a tin of their favourite food, a box of their favourite cereal, or their favourite chocolate treat. Altogether, the college collected more than 2,500 items of food and other household products.
Two services
At the Junior Prep harvest service for pupils and parents, Reception to Year 2 sang Cauliflowers fluffy and the Choir from Years 3 and 4 sang Beautiful world. Then the whole congregation sang other harvest favourites, such as the Harvest Samba and We plough the fields and scatter. Senior Prep and Senior School students had their services the following day, which made the Harvest Festival a true whole-college event.
The theme this year was giving thanks and sharing what we have. The messages delivered by the Chaplain included not knowing who will receive the tins of beans or the boxes of Coco Pops donated but knowing that this means someone will not go hungry for a day. Another message was that the act of giving provides an opportunity to reflect on what we have and that it is not only the recipient who benefits, but also the giver.
“ Thank you to all who contributed to our Harvest Festival collection and to those who took part in the services ” Janneke Blokland, Chaplain
Learn more about Community support at Hurst College
Find out more about the Burgess Hill Community Food Bank