Craig-y-nos Country Park provided a stunning backdrop for Hay, Brecon and Talgarth Sanctuary for Refugees’ latest away day.
Criw Craggy – the Friends of Craig y Nos – and guest baker Vicky North were on hand to welcome visitors now settled in Swansea, who were treated to a day of fun, games and food.
It was also a chance for HBTSR to celebrate its Powys Association of Voluntary Organisations award, after it won the group Nature and Nurture category on the 6th June.
HBTSR’s Margaret Blake said: “It was another lovely day out in the beautiful surroundings of Craig-y-nos with our friends from Criw Craggy and Swansea. So many people were keen to come that, with all the places on the coach full, one visitor elected to travel with about 10 friends and 17 children on the T6 service bus which is free at weekends. We were delighted to welcome them all.”
As well as games – including badminton, football and volleyball – there were activities ranging from clay sculpture with Pontardawe artist Rebecca Buck, drawing and model making with Leanne and Amanda to a walk around the grounds of the country park. Donated toys were much enjoyed by the children and especially as they were able to take them home as a reminder of a lovely day.
Food was again coordinated by HBTSR Trustee Melrose East and provided by a dedicated team of volunteers and well-wishers including Vicky who had travelled from Pembrokeshire for the day after being inspired by seeing the work of HBTSR’s resident Artisan baker Alex Benfield.
“I was delighted to meet Vicky who had seen a post of mine on Instagram,” Alex said. “She wanted to join with us to welcome people and to see how we made bread in the open air. Vicky used to run a cafe in Newport in Pembrokeshire but now runs cooking, baking and catering courses. I was pleased to be able to step back and watch Vicky, a Kurdish lady and an Egyptian man take over the baking and during the day we were all treated to some new and varied breads based upon different traditions.’
HBTSR secretary Ailsa Dunn expressed her gratitude to all who came and made the day so enjoyable. ‘We are so fortunate that in the few years since we started , our group continues to grow and to help people who are in need of friendship and support after having been forced to flee from their homes. Thanks to all who helped us so much especially Criw Craggy and the Pontardawe artists.'
For anyone wanting more details please see Website hbtsr.org.uk
HBTSR exists to show and promote support for people forced to seek sanctuary by offering time out to people in need, raising money to help other groups who assist and support and by asking for more humane policies for people seeking sanctuary
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