Visitors to the latest Hay, Brecon and Talgarth Sanctuary for Refugees (HBTSR) away day were left with tales to tell after a walk on the wild side.
More than 150 people, including the charity’s supporters, gathered at Hay Primary School for the day of fun and food and were welcomed by staff, pupils, parents and community groups.
As well as face-painting, crafts and play provided by Hay school’s PTFA , there was superb entertainment by the Hay Theatre Group.
HBTSR’s chair Margaret Blake said: “Tigers, monkeys and dragons roared but there was no cause for concern. The school’s dining room was swiftly transformed into an auditorium, complete with scenery and stage lighting, and all – young and old alike – settled down expectantly.
“Hay Theatre Group provided a real treat of entertainment, involving everyone in the process. Monkeys exhibited their cheeky mischief; tigers and other animals struggled to co-exist with human beings and the baby green dragon grew before our eyes into a fearsome monster – before morphing into a landmark: the Dragon’s Back.”
The more energetic visitors headed off for a walk, led by Gez Richards, into the neighbouring countryside.
“They were clearly intrigued to have an international boundary pointed out to them in the midst of the Welsh countryside; the Wye tributary that marks the boundary between Wales and England,” Margaret said.
Supporters and the local community were again on hand to provide food, essentials and welcome and visitors left with a boot-load of food and toiletries not only for themselves but also for the other refugees and asylum seekers served by Unity in Diversity and Swansea Asylum Seekers Support groups.
“Such days do not happen by accident but by the hard work, planning and generosity of so many,” Lawrence Duffy treasurer to the group said. “Our thanks go to headteacher Alexine Bartholomew (Mrs B. or Lex), the staff, PTFA and pupils and parents of Hay School, Claire Armstrong and her team of helpers (Sue, Melrose, Lynne, Ailsa, Sarah and Christina) Aine from Hay Festival, Bernie Herman from the market stall, Ellie of the Three Tuns, Hannah of The Old Electric, Jasper Fforde and members of the Hay Chamber of Commerce, in particular Josh Green, Derek Glashan from Hay Deli, Zoe McLean from A-Z, Anne Haywood Skinner from Drovers and Sally Forward from Mostly Maps, the Hay Theatre group and director Janine Sharp.”
Our final word should go to one of the visitors ‘My family were amazed by the beauty of the countryside and returned so happy that they can’t stop speaking about it. They felt embraced by the rest of the migrants as friends and the hosts acted as warm as a family. Important to us because the lone feelings we struggle with. C says that if it would be possible in future he would move to Hay.’