Penpont has hosted its 11th visit in 10 years from Hay, Brecon and Talgarth Sanctuary for Refugees (HBTSR), alongside guests from Swansea.

With temperatures more akin to midsummer, families were able to paddle in the river while others explored the estate’s walled gardens.

Visitors worked alongside volunteers Pippa and Glen, laying woodchip across vegetable beds and sharing stories as they went. One guest from Iran spoke with Pippa about fruit growing on his father’s farm, in a quiet exchange that reflected the international nature of the gathering.

Children helped with gardening tasks, moving between wheelbarrows, spreading woodchip and cycling tools around the site. Others simply enjoyed the freedom to explore the grounds and gather fresh produce for meals later in the week.

Elsewhere, Penpont’s well-known elephant hedge and maze attracted interest from visitors, while a football match on the lawn, led by Dave and Adil, brought people together.

In the courtyard, a range of activities was on offer including paper crafts with Linda and Mary, face painting with Claire and a friend, and quilting sessions led by Emily’s team. Three quilts made during regular Saturday sessions at Hay Castle over the past year were presented to two families. One had recently welcomed a new baby, while the other, having been granted refugee status, is moving into a new home with their two young daughters. One recipient described the handmade gifts as feeling like you could “smell the love in all the stitches.”

Food played a central role throughout the day. The honesty vegetable stall, run by Vina, proved popular, with more than £100 of produce taken by guests. The supplies were funded through donations from HBTSR supporters and Bwyd Powys Food. Additional produce, including peppers, onions, garlic and potatoes, was kindly provided by Cathy and Dennis from Abergavenny Market, alongside donated fruit shared during the event and taken home by families.

In the kitchen, volunteers Dara and Meg prepared a range of vegetarian stews for a shared lunch, having taken time off work to support the event. Cakes and biscuits were also provided through donations, while drinks were served throughout the day with support from Claire, Chris and other volunteers. At the entrance, Philip and Tim welcomed guests, at times also running a vegetable stall to meet demand.

Organisers said they were grateful to all those who contributed, including Vina and Gavin Hogg for allowing the use of their grounds and stable block and supporting the vegetable stall, Margaret for coordinating the day, Dara and Meg for cooking, and all those who helped with washing up, provided food and drinks, or offered welcome and support. Thanks were also given to Glen and Pippa for giving their time on a day off to support gardening activities, and to Bwyd Powys Food for a grant which continues to support the provision of locally grown food for guests.

HBTSR looks forward to welcoming more people to more places in the months ahead. For more information, please visit: https://hbtsr.cityofsanctuary.org/