The wind howling and the finger-numbingly cold was not enough to put off the hardy children and staff at Wylye Valley C of E Primary School, Codford, from celebrating the annual Harvest Festival on Friday, September 25 –outdoors!

With no church attendance due to Covid-19 and, sadly, a noticeable lack of parents and grandparents in attendance, thanks to the current social distancing rules, the sentiment of thanks for everything at this fruitful time of year rang heavy in the air. Led by Revd Jayne Buckles, and with the sun shining through the chilly breeze, the annual harvest celebration went full-steam ahead.

As well as giving thanks for the food farmers produce and for the food on their plates, the pupils also generously brought their own gifts of food for those less fortunate than themselves – an annual tradition at the school – which will be distributed around Codford and the surrounding villages, and Warminster Food Bank.

Head teacher Rob Barnes said: “I am so impressed with the children, they were so engaged throughout Jayne’s service.  I could not be more proud especially as it was the Reception children’s first full assembly after their first full week at school.”