HAY-ON-WYE played host to a group of refugees and asylum seekers with a day of music, crafts and food.

The hospitality on offer, organised by Hay, Brecon and Talgarth Sanctuary for Refugees (HBTSR), included a tour of the town as well as a chance to hop on a bike and explore the surrounding countryside was described as a “dream come true” by the visitors.

Hay’s Parish Hall provided a warm welcome for them all, now settled in Hereford and Swansea, and the day brought together hundreds of volunteers, well-wishers and supporters. Among them were 35 Habisha people seeking asylum in Swansea, a group of more isolated and lonely people mainly from Ethiopia and Eritrea.

Said Ailsa Dunn from HBTSR: “It is hard at times not to feel overwhelmed by people’s generosity and it is always good to be reminded that we gain at least as much from these days out as the people we welcome.

“We asked for board games and there was a pile of at least 50 boxes. We asked for cakes and like the miracle of the feeding of the 5,000 we all had cake to eat, most had cake to take home and we still have some to freeze for a future day out.”

Volunteers pitched in to prepare the hall in advance of the event, and on the day there was a mixture of games, music from Hay Community Choir, crafts and face-painting. Lunch and tea were prepared by volunteers. The visitors also took the opportunity to stroll around Hay, while others explored the area on two wheels thanks to Drovers’ Cycles.

Said Ailsa:“This trip had 35 Habisha people from Swansea who are beginning to join with each other for support and friendship, and a number of people we have met many times who are now good friends.

“Our invitation to the Syrian families in Hereford to call in had fallen on fertile ground. A convoy of cars turned up but, because of a lack of parking spaces and how full the hall was, they decided they would continue their journey and have a day out elsewhere. They said that they were pleased to have been asked and might return another time when it was less busy.”

One visitor from Kurdistan reported: “It was very nice, and all the people are very kind. My children enjoy all the activities and toys. My son is very active and we feel stuck at home which upsets him. These trips are like a dream come true for him. The donations are very helpful for us, we are so grateful to meet such friendly people.”

HBTSR thanked all the volunteers who helped to make the event such a success. At the end of the day a “bus full of very smiley adults and children” was waved off from Hay.

Said Ailsa: “We’d like to thank Derek from Hay Deli who gave us three large boxes of oranges and a large box of dates as well as other assorted goodies, and the Co-op and Aldi did us proud with groceries to take home.”

There was also praise for Hay Community Choir, who encouraged strong audience participation, and Drovers’ Cycles for enabling the visitors to see more of the area.

“Thanks of course also to the Parish Hall and the people of Hay for making it such a special day,” said Ailsa.