Crop a load of this: Sutton care home residents and pupils join forces for Harvest Festival fun

Residents at Care UK’s Tennyson Grange, on Westmead Road, were joined by Harris Junior Academy 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. The residents and school children celebrated the occasion by decorating biscuits baked by the home.

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, 79-year-old resident Rita, said: “The room was full of children laughing and giggling as we decorated the biscuits together. We put so much icing, sprinkles and chocolate on, I was amazed when I tasted them how delicious they were - soft in the middle and crunchy on top.”

“The event reminded me of celebrating Harvest Festival when I was in school. All the children would give food to the headmaster to be donated to the church and I would always bring the biggest marrow! Others brought bread baked or tins of food".

Joining the celebrations at Tennyson Grange were local scout’s groups, 3rd Sutton Brownies and 5th Sutton Scouts, who enjoyed playing Harvest Festival quizzes, and making themed cards, followed by singing campfire songs with the residents.

Brighton Nyagomo, General Manager at Tennyson Grange, said: “It was fantastic to welcome Harris Junior Academy school children to Tennyson Grange 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 Sutton a great place to call home.

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

To find out more about Care UK’s Harvest Festival, please visit: careuk.com/harvest-festival

Designed to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence, Tennyson Grange incorporates space for hobby and leisure activities. The layout of the building has been configured to help facilitate the creation of close-knit communities and encourage social interaction among residents.