A real taste of country for West Berkshire schools

Pupils local schools had been nurturing pumpkins since May and were eager to find out who’s was the heaviest. Purley Infants school was crowned the winner at the Newbury Showground, where the Autumn Harvest Celebration was carried out, with Basildon Primary as runners up.
A heavy focus was placed upon the quintessential English apple with pupils undertaking a range of apple-themed activities such as apple bobbing, crumble making and tastings.
Paper making, a cookery demonstration and pumpkin soup tasting were also enjoyed.
A total of 150 schools attended, including Thatcham Park Primary, Chievely Primary, Purley Infants, Basildon Primary, St Joseph’s Primary and Hampstead Norreys Primary.
Jan Murray, education officer for the Newbury & District Agricultural Society who organised the event, said: “Pupils from Thatcham Park Primary described the day as excellent, superb, fantastic.
“They said it was important to learn about in order to appreciate how lucky they were to have fresh food when some people don’t have much.”
Head teacher at Basildon Primary, Paul Field, said: “We are delighted to be involved in this great project.
“Harvest is a magical time for children and a great opportunity to teach them about how their food grows and how to prepare healthy meals.”
The Autumn Harvest Celebration is now in its third year, teaching children about the origins of food and the importance of healthy, balanced meals.