Hay, Brecon and Talgarth Sanctuary for Refugees (HBTSR) marked both Refugee Week and the Great Get-Together weekend in style, with a return visit to Penpont House.
Penpont owners Gavin and Vina Hogg again opened their doors and grounds to visitors now settling in South Wales and 70 volunteers who helped to make the day a success.
HBTSR’s Chair Margaret Blake said: “It is lovely to have the chance to revisit places where we have held welcome days before because we know the facilities, the team who will be around and some of the worries about ‘having things right’- will there be enough food, of the right sort, are there any obvious major risks, will anyone come to help, will anyone come to visit etc – are assuaged.
“It is especially lovely to visit such a beautiful place with such gracious, friendly hosts and their many friends and to have the opportunity on this occasion to share this with others to mark Refugee Week and for the Great Get Together.”
“We knew communities up and down the country were joining together to celebrate kindness, respect and all we have in common for the Great Get together weekend . Most won’t have done it in such beautiful surroundings or with so many people from so many different cultures. We are very grateful to everyone who helped to make this such a successful day out”
In a welcome day first, Heritage Theatre Cymru were on hand to perform a play and hold a workshop for children. There were also games, football, pony rides and walks around the estate and walled garden, as well as crafts and haircuts.
Visitors were also treated to homemade pizza courtesy of Alex Benfield and a variety of stews, salads and cakes provided by supporters.
“This year’s theme for Refugee Week was ‘you, me and those who came before’ and to celebrate this in a house and gardens that have been in the same family since before 1666 was particularly noteworthy,” Ailsa Dunn ,Secretary to HBTSR said.
“We do all have so much in common and our lives are enriched by having diversity and friendship across areas and nations.THanks to Vina and Gavin for facilitating such a wonderful day out, to Heritage Theatre Cymru and to all our generous, kindly friends who helped to make it a memorable occasion”
HBTSR is again facilitating an initiative which brings together young people from South Wales in a weekend of team building and leadership-enhancing activities at PGL Travel ltd . The Lottery Community Fund is funding this project as it will bring people together to help build relationships in and across communities and also help people to fulfil their potential.
Project Get Together 2 / Prosiect Gyda’ch Gilydd will involve up to 65 youngsters, including those seeking sanctuary and those who want to help to improve life with them.
The aim of the weekend is to enable people to come together, join in interesting and enjoyable activities, and:
*Feel welcome
*Find opportunities for friendship and solidarity
*Learn to appreciate partnership and team working
*Celebrate the contribution of people from other communities, cultures and countries
The event will take place at PGL’s Llwyn Filly centre near Hay-on-Wye from July 5-7.
On 13th July there will be a welcome day out in Talgarth with a football match between Talgarth FC and teams from Swansea and Newport
If you want to know more about HBTSR or any of the activities please see https://hbtsr.cityofsanctuary.org
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