The weather forecast had been troubling all week but the reality was warm sunshine and lots of happy people in Henderson Hall, Talybont-on Usk on Sunday, July 21.

This was another Hay, Brecon and Talgarth Sanctuary for Refugees (HBTSR) event with many local people involved in welcoming people seeking sanctuary in Swansea.

Some of the local people included Ukrainian families and others who had personal experiences of displacement. The countries represented by visitors were Sudan, Somalia, Eritrea, Tunisia, Syria, Albania, Pakistan, Iran, Sri Lanka, Saudi Arabia and Afghanistan. This made for an inclusive, friendly and fun day. Some who made the journey had only recently arrived in Swansea, most had not been on a day out of Swansea before and a few knew what to expect - and were not disappointed! 

People were welcomed by a giant Ukrainian panda and after drinks and snacks, many headed off for one of two walks - woodland or canal. Those left behind were not short of activities to keep them busy. There was a play pen with toys for younger children and crafting with air drying clay with Lena and Maryna. Outside face painting, swift stencilling, colouring and weaving of swifts  was available. In addition the basketball pitches, the football posts, the cricket pitch and extensive play equipment were all enjoyed.

The walkers returned in time for a delicious lunch with plenty to chat about. Details about the canal, the tram road, the Alpacas, Henry Vaughan and the community orchards were exchanged whilst enjoying the wonderful savoury delights and fruits.

Then the children's sports took over, ending with tug of wars between children with adults assisting. An enormous selection of cake and fruit greeted the sports watchers on returning to the hall with plenty to take away for enjoying over the next week. There was even enough cake  to send back with Maria for the drop-in support groups who do a great job in feeding upwards of 140 people a week but don't usually have the luxury of hom- made cake and certainly not the wide variety available in Talybont.

Tired but very happy people left with Darren, the friendly bus driver, who had ensured a scenic journey to Talybont and was prepared to take a quicker route back, dropping a few people near to their homes on the way.

This was a multi-organisation feat involving many generous people. Thanks are due to Rhiannon Davies for coordinating all arrangements; those from HBTSR who were able to be there or donate food; Henderson Hall committee members, the many residents of the Talybont community who gave their time, energy and food contributions, The White Hart Inn, Talybont; Talybont Store and Post Office; Maryna and Lena, Ukrainian refugees living locally, for their workshops; Ruth, Matt and Heather representing Brecon Frazz parade for their willow making and printing swift workshops; Lost the Plot food contributors; Mely’s Spanish class ladies; Morgan and Jacob Florence; Vova and the Giant Panda representing Hugs for Ukraine; Jenny Merrill for her very generous donation; Beacons Benefice; Anna Bell for face painting; Talybont WI members; Jane Durrant for loan of play equipment, and Chas, Gilestone Gardens, Talybont.

If you want to learn more about HBTSR please see their website: hbtsr.cityofsanctuary.org

HBTSR was formed in September 2015. They are a group of volunteers welcoming people seeking sanctuary, raising funds to help them and encouraging political representatives to put policies in place for a kind and fair immigration system. As a group, their supporters are of all faiths and none, and all political persuasions. What unites them is their common humanity and compassion for others.