By Mike Gatehouse.

Lucy and Tessa taking a very small break!

This was the fourth Welcome Day in Llangynidr (after similar events in 2018, 2019 and 2023).

‘I’ve had the best day ever’ said one of the children – I’m not sure if it was one of the visitors or someone from the village. The aim of HBTSR  in running Welcome Days is to provide a day of fun activities, delicious food, the peace of beautiful countryside and the warmth of a community welcome that all can enjoy. Llangynidr’s Welcome Day on 6 October more than fulfilled that aim. Organisers Lucy Lancaster and Tessa Craig had assembled a varied menu of crafts, treats, therapies, music and food, offered by dozens of volunteers from the local community in Llangynidr and others from across the area.

When the coach arrived just before noon, it brought 43 people seeking sanctuary, living at present in Swansea. Other visitors came from Abergavenny, Llandrindod Wells and Cardiff. The visitors had come to the UK from a Babel tower of countries in Latin America, Asia, the Middle East and Africa, as well as from Ukraine. All have come to the UK seeking sanctuary, leaving homes, families, friends and their possessions in their own countries when war, violence and threats have made it dangerous or impossible for them to stay. All are in different ways bereft, so that the warmth of a Welcome Day can be especially important.

Flowers and apples on every table

The visitors were welcomed by a choir of 20 or more children from Llangynidr Community Primary school  directed  by Head teacher Sian Shepherdson.  The carefully chosen songs (Llangynidr’s own ‘welcome anthem, ‘ Try everything’, ‘Count on Me’ and ‘Power in Me ‘)  were both sung and acted out in gesture. Many children and parents stayed to join in face and nail painting (by Anna and Amelie, respectively), leaf writing, making friendship bands, drawing, clay modelling, butterfly painting, origami, refashioning pine cones and much else with therapeutic massage, chats and coffee for the adults. Little ones were looked after in the crèche corner. Every table had a beautiful arrangement of late summer flowers (by Lizzie Dutton) and a bowl of apples from a local garden.

Helping a barge pass through the lock at Cwm Crawnon

Outdoors there was ‘Llangynidr rules’ tennis, ball games and kite flying, as children spread out across the Village Hall’s large playing fields. Two walks defied the lowering skies and set out  with only the wind and occasional drizzle to contend with. The shorter walk, led by John, Elizabeth and William Gibbs took our guests down to the terrace above the Usk at Worcester Cottage. The Gibbs family had also mounted a display of local wild flowers and plants in the Hall. The other group, led by Arthur Cadman, walked across the top of the village to the canal by Llangynidr Basin, where guests were able to raise the paddles and swing the gates as a barge moved through the lock. In Fairy Glen (Cwm Crawnon) a heron surprised us by rising from a pool below the waterfall, while rather glum fishermen on the canal contemplated their empty creels.

Rachel’s tree for leaf wishes

Back in the Hall, there was a constant supply of food throughout the day, expertly supervised by Simon and Sara (who used to run a local catering business, the Purple Carrot). The Red Lion and Coach and Horses village pubs, and the Walnut Tree café provided lasagne, pasta and other hot food. Children at Llangynidr School had cooked a curry made from the vegetables they grow in the school gardening club. Captain Brown’s donated ten margarita pizzas for all to share. Tea and cakes werre provided by Llangynidr Church and Chapels. The children queued noisily for popcorn (deftly cooked by Natasha De Gouveia). Music was provided by The Hallelujah Joes (from Herefordshire), Maryna on piano, and songs from Lucy’s daughter Lottie.

Simon (in the kitchen) and Sara (right), with Sarah and Katherine and some of the food.

The best tribute to the value of Welcome Days like this came from Thanu, who organised the group of visitors from Swansea:

I wanted to express my heartfelt thanks for the incredible Welcome Day organised by your beautiful village and primary school. The experience was truly unforgettable and touched me deeply.

From the moment we arrived, we felt a deep sense that we are not alone. The beautiful mountains surrounding us were a powerful reminder that there is a humanity stronger than mountains. This was overwhelming, filling me with emotion and hope.

The songs performed by the primary school children were particularly moving. As their voices filled the air, I couldn’t stop tears in my eyes from the sheer warmth and emotions. My ribcage felt like it was bursting with pride and a sense of belonging. It was an amazing reminder that humanity will remain for at least two more generations to come.

I must also praise the young singer [Lottie] who performed “Hallelujah” and “Valerie”. Her talent was truly remarkable. It was a joy to witness such skill and passion.

The entire day was a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved. So much effort was evident in every aspect of the event. The variety of activities provided was both engaging and thoughtful, offering amazing experiences for everyone to enjoy. And the food – it was simply brilliant! The care and attention put into every detail did not go unnoticed. I felt so relaxed with Yolanda’s magical massage. It was an amazing touch.

This experience has left an unforgettable mark on my heart. It was a powerful reminder that even in unfamiliar places, we can find warmth, acceptance, and a sense of home. The kindness and hospitality shown by your community have strengthened my faith in the goodness of humanity.

watching and listening to the choir

Thank you for creating such a meaningful and inclusive event. Your efforts have made a significant impact on the lives of many, including mine.

Another guest said:

Peace be upon you. I would like to extend my deepest gratitude for your generous invitation. Our time spent with you was filled with joy and happiness, and we truly felt like we were among family. Your hospitality and kindness are beyond words, and I cannot express enough how grateful we are for every beautiful moment we shared with you. I pray that God continues to bless you and that we always come together in goodness and love. Thank you so much.

Powys Councillor Jackie Charlton wrote:

It was truly inspiring and so glad I could get along to witness humanity at its very best.

Thank you!!

the choir in action

Lucy and Mike welcoming and giving details about the day.

Anna Face painting.

the choir posing for photos

Maryna demonstrating how to transform a pine cone into a spider

Jackie Charlton and Lucy leaving after a good day out

Bridget and Rachel preparing for activity

John & Elizabeth Gibbs’ nature table. Who knew so much was so colourful at this time of year?

the play area

Two young musicians

Additional flowers for posies to go home

Amalie Cadman’s nail painting

The food!!!

additional thanks

Hello Friends,

On behalf of myself, Tessa, Mike and all at Hay, Brecon and Talgarth Sanctuary for Refugees – a massive thank you for all your wonderful contributions to yesterday’s Refugee Day in Llangynidr.

Donations of fabulous food, tons of time, thoughtfulness, magical music, hard graft, nature and walks, lavish teas, nail polish and piles of pizza! You are all superstars. What a wonderful community we have and how wonderful to spread some of that goodness to others who are so in need.

Thanu, who brought the visitors from Swansea, sent a lovely message last night.

Thank you all so much.

Lucy, Tessa and Mike

Lottie performing

from Visitors

Nice trip . the kids really enjoyed . Thank you. .

 It was an amazing place. Lovely people and the  activity indoors was wonderful. My little brother loved to be there.