Families seeking sanctuary were welcomed to Talgarth at the weekend for a community event bringing together volunteers, schools and local organisations for a day of activities and support.

Hosted by Hay, Brecon and Talgarth Sanctuary for Refugees (HBTSR), the Welcome Day took place on May 17 at Ysgol y Mynydd Du and brought a coachload of families staying in Swansea to the town.

Organisers said the aim was to offer a warm reception and a chance to build connections, with a programme of sports, nature activities, craft and music despite wet weather.

The day was made possible thanks to the support of headteacher Tara Morgan and School of Sanctuary lead Dee Foster.

Planning and coordination were led by Carola Hoskins and Lawrence Duffy on behalf of HBTSR, working closely with school staff and volunteers.

Children and adults took part in football matches, archery, pond dipping, gardening, hobby horse events and a fire engine visit, while others joined guided walks around the town led by local volunteers Gez and Sue Richards and visit to a local ice cream parlour run by Dave.

Despite initial nerves, some children who were unsettled by the arrival of police officers later joined in activities with PCSOs, helped by informal conversations and small gestures such as stickers.

HBTSR extended thanks to the many organisations and volunteers whose support and generosity made the Welcome Day possible.

Black Mountains College students Samaa and Gaia were thanked for supporting activities throughout the day and helping in the kitchen, alongside Melrose, who coordinated kitchen activities. Sarah Morgan from the Wildlife Trust led pond dipping sessions, while Jan from Talgarth Library organised gardening activities and Kate from Nature Child ran the hobby horse activities.

Nicola and Bethan from the Powys Sports Development Team helped deliver the sports programme, which proved popular throughout the day. Talgarth Festival provided practical support, with Beth, Jim, Julia and Del lending tables and gazebos, which were especially valuable given the weather.

Jackie Pritchard from the Scouts organised the tomahawk throwing, while Helen provided first aid support. Crosfield Outdoors delivered archery activities. School governors and teachers were also thanked, particularly Dee Foster, Tara Morgan and Vicky Fletcher. Cris, Joe and Vicky Fletcher were also acknowledged for their support.

Lilli Hahne, who was visiting from Germany, was thanked for helping throughout the day, including baking, lifting, cleaning and supporting wherever needed. HBTSR also thanked Talgarth Food Share, local PCSOs, and the Talgarth Fire Crew for their involvement and support.

Additional thanks go to Talgarth Tourist Information Centre for donating wooden keyrings for visitors. Ice creams were funded through support from the Police Commissioner Fund, with additional assistance from the Talgarth Regeneration Fund.

Generous food donations also helped make the day special, including fruit from Cathy and Dennis, produce from Claire’s Wholefoods Shop, bread from Pobl, and vegetables and flowers donated through Talgarth Food Share and the Talgarth Co-op.

Plans are already underway to do it all again next year.

Visit hbtsr.cityofsanctuary.org for more information about the charity’s activities.