THIS week has seen all the key stages at Herne View Primary Primary School in Ilminster and their families warmly welcomed to The Minster Church to celebrate their whole-school Harvest Festival assembly.

The children shared their individual knowledge of harvest and its history through song, pictures, poetry, drama, fun facts and prayer and everyone present “couldn't have been prouder” of the way all the children from ages 4-11 presented their four Harvest worships.

Each child has worked hard leading up to this event and in the end they each stood in front of the audience – which included all their friends, classmates and family – and calmly led the assembly, presenting confidently in front of all their peers.   

At the end of the assembly all of the food was collected from the foodbank ready to donate.

A spokesperson for Herne View Primary School said: “The school would like to thank Reverand Jo, The Minster and all the families in the audience for their generous donations which have gone this year to the Ilminster Foodbank to support the local community this Harvest time.”

A Year 5 teacher said: “I was very proud of the children for working so hard to make sure they were prepared for the Harvest festival. Rehearsing and writing wonderful teaspoon prayers (tsp = Thank you for, Sorry for, Please can) to share with each other and families.”  

A reception teacher said: “Some of the children were super brave and saying what they are grateful for in front of everyone. For our Reception children this is the first time they have ever had to speak in front of a large group of people.”

Miss Claire Oaten, headteacher said: “As a school in a rural area, Harvest is so important to us as it reminds us all about the important role the farming community play in everyone’s lives and we are proud that our children have been able to share this message across the Ilminster community.”