Local Events - Part 6

[smallhobbit]

One of the things which is still celebrated in our part of the country is Harvest Festival both in churches and in schools.  Originally this was a time when farmers and gardeners would celebrate the success of the harvest.  

All the produce would be locally grown and brought into church for later distribution.  The village church we used to attend would hold an auction the following day and the proceeds would go to a suitable charity.

This has changed now, and although even towns and cities are aware that it is autumn

   

produce is very rarely homegrown.  Instead, tins and packets of non-perishable goods are brought in and generally donated to the local Food Bank.  This is clearly a continuation of congregations being grateful for what they have and sharing with those who are in need.

This year our church, as many others, at the Bishop's suggestion, held a toiletries collection with the toiletries going to Gloucestershire Bundles (the charity I am treasurer for).





And here's our vicar together with Dawn, the chair of Bundles, with the donations from our churches.

Comments

[stonepicnicking_okapi]

Well done! An excellent harvest!

[smallhobbit]

Thank you very much!

[rusty_armour]

It's wonderful that Harvest Festival is still celebrated in the UK, especially if it encourages generosity in others. It's great that congregations donate food to local food banks. I'm really impressed by how many toiletries were collected for Gloucestershire Bundles. :-)

[smallhobbit]

Yes, the original meaning has generally been lost, but the goodwill and donations make a big difference to many people. We were delighted with what was given.

[adafrog]

:)

[smallhobbit]

Thank you.

[therealsnape]

Most of my harvest festival knowledge comes from reading Miss Read's books, but this is certainly a beautiful way to continue the tradition. The vicar is quite a change from Gerald Partridge, though. ;-)

[smallhobbit]

Miss Read shows the old traditional harvest festival and is very true of that time and place. Yes, not a traditional vicar. She's our first female vicar and doing a great job.

[sister_raphael]

That is a wonderful thing!

[smallhobbit]

Thank you very much!