ALMOST 150 Syrian family members who have settled across mid and west Wales came together at the Royal Welsh Showground on Monday, August 16 for a picnic and fun day.
The event, hosted on the Royal Welsh Showground and organised by Powys council housing service, was an opportunity for the families to meet each other and to share their experiences. Agencies worked together to make sure the day was filled with fun, family activities from football to Zumba and creative crafts.
Powys council’s cabinet member for housing, Cllr Jonathan Wilkinson, said: “It was great to see so many people working together and giving their time to support such a positive event. These families have been through so much and are just starting a new life here in Wales. It was fantastic to see them enjoying the day and meeting old and new friends.
“I’m proud that we have been able to support these families to settle into Wales and that they are enriching our communities. The Syrian dancing was a highlight with many people taking part. I’d like to thank members of Radnorshire Women’s Institute for providing cakes and refreshments throughout the day, Swansea City Football Club Community Trust for helping support the football activities along with Penybont FC who lent us the goal posts.
“Thanks also to Dyfed Powys Police and Mid & West Wales Fire and Rescue Service for allowing children to explore police cars and fire pumps and try out the equipment, to Powys County Council’s road safety team for educating the families about road safety and to Play Radnor for use of the softplay equipment. Also to Celf o Gwpas for the arts and crafts activities, to Freedom Leisure for running a zumba class and to Powys Dance for running activities for the younger children. Last but not least I’d like to thank the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society for allowing us to use the venue, which was perfect for the picnic.”
Twelve families have been welcomed in Powys, six in Ystradgynlais one year ago and six more recently in Newtown. Families from Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire and Powys came together for the event.