The community of Talgarth and beyond pulled together recently to offer a sporting day - not only for their community, but for people less fortunate than themselves.
The Hay, Brecon & Talgarth Sanctuary for Refugees (HBTSTR) Welcome Day was held at Ysgol y Mynydd Du.
Mayor of Talgarth Cllr Louise Elston-Reeves, Cllr William Powell, Headteacher Tara Morgan, Deputy Head Dee Foster and other staff, pupils and parents of Ysgol Y Mynydd Du all helped to keep things running smoothly throughout the day.
On the day the weather was good, the wide range of sports were great fun - and there was plenty of food and time to chat.
Black Mountains College was well represented by Amanda, Forrest, Kit and Roman, who took over the responsibility for hot drinks and also managed to help with washing up and putting the school back together at the end.
Bronllys Wellbeing Park's Jacqui, Valmai, Chrissie, Helen and Alva had done excellent work in arranging many sporting opportunities, ably supported by Sports Development Officer Nicola Jones, Gwernyfed Rugby Club and Talgarth Town Football Club.
Talgarth and District Regeneration Group was instrumental in arranging for ice-cream and in general support of the day. Glasbury WI members, Talgarth Tuesday Luncheon group and Grow for Talgarth all had input especially in ensuring that cake was available in large quantities.
Local businesses including Claire’s Wholefoods, Talgarth Co-op, Pobl Bakery, Parry's Ice Creams, WJ George Butchers and The Honey Cafe were also very supportive in providing food.
Members of HBTSR turned up in droves to ensure that everybody was welcomed, fed, watered and had fun.
Two PCSOs - Vicky and Chloe - chatted to people and joined in with the fun.
Cllr Powell said: “Again this year, the Refugee Welcome Day was one of the richest events in our Talgarth calendar. As a governor, it was incredibly special to see the school community of Ysgol y Mynydd Du at its heart, as well as the support of Black Mountains College students.
“Global citizenship is vital to both - and I am delighted that our school is committed to being a School of Sanctuary, with enthusiastic support from pupils, staff and parents.”
Opening the event, Cllr Elston-Reeves said: “It is my great pleasure and honour to welcome all of you. Before we begin, I would like to extend a warm welcome and heartfelt thanks to the dedicated organisers of this event, BWBP and HBTSR. Also to the school our hosts.
“Today we are here to celebrate the spirit of participation and respect within sport. Sport is much more than a game. It is a force that can unite, overcome differences and foster a sense of community. It unites us and can build bridges.
“Your support and participation will make this event special.”
After drinks, fruit and biscuits, people explored the school grounds and tried out the climbing wall, archery, tennis, football, cricket, rugby, volleyball, boxing, netball, badminton and a hobby horse show jumping event.
A trip to St Gwendoline's Church proved popular, which had been arranged with the Swansea and Brecon Diocesan Guild of Bellringers to learn and try out the ancient craft of bellringing.
A walk to watch Talgarth Town Ladies team playing football was also much enjoyed.
Special thanks to Andrew the coach driver, who waited patiently until everyone had said final farewells before returning to Swansea.
The event was the culmination of many people's planning, participation and enthusiasm and it could not have happened without everyone’s collaboration.
Special thanks also to Carol Hoskins, Jacqui Wilding, Virginia Brown, William Powell, Melrose East and Lynne Oliver.
To learn more about HBTSR, visit: https://hbtsr.cityofsanctuary.org