Today we were delighted to once again hold one of the most treasured events in the FHS Autumn Term calendar: Harvest Festival Service at the magnificent Holy Trinity Church, Sloane Street. This year’s ceremony was particularly special as we welcomed back our much loved former Director of Spiritual Care, Father Mark Kenny, who left FHS in Summer 2022 after nearly twenty years of outstanding service to the School.

Following poignant words of welcome by Father Kenny and Headmistress Lucy Elphinstone, three of the youngest members of the School brought forward the fruits of our harvest, which will be donated to City Harvest. Then came a blessing of the harvest gifts before a dramatized reading of Genesis 1 by Year 7, before a powerful massed choir performance of Rutter’s For the Beauty of the Earth and a reading of The Gospel of St Matthew Chapter 6 by Father Kenny.

After some enthusiastic hymn singing by our congregation, a reading of the Homily and an exquisite performance of Jesus Christ the Apple Tree by the Staff Choir, we were treated to beautifully read Intercessions by four of our Sixth Formers. Finally, following The Lord’s Prayer and more buoyant hymn singing, our service concluded with a stunning rendition of Irish Blessing (Bob Chilcott) by the Chapel Choir, and the Final Prayer.

Thank you so much to Father Kenny for coming back to visit us and to the whole FHS community for giving their time, talent and treasure to again make this event such a success.