A care home in Sutton Coldfield has joined forces with local primary school children to celebrate Harvest Festival.

Residents at Care UK’s Mercia Grange, on Lichfield Road, were joined by Little Sutton Primary 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 youngsters and residents also spent time together reading Harvest Festival themed poetry.

As part of the celebrations, the home hosted a harvest themed craft fair for residents and the community. Local community members sold chicken eggs, cakes and candles.

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, resident Sheila, 94, said: “I used to love the Harvest Festival at Sunday school – we used to go to church, and we would all bring some food in. It was a very good idea and it’s important to show our gratitude to farmers.”

Michael McNelis, Home Manager at Mercia Grange, said: “It was fantastic to welcome Little Sutton Primary School children to Mercia 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.  

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

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