‘This place reminds me of home. The friendly people, the mountains and the mist‘ one of our visitors enthused as we walked to the lake. I clarified that the temperature was lower than she would ever have felt at home but otherwise she just felt at home and welcome.

After what seems like relentless negative reporting about immigration and refugees, it was lovely to have our first Welcome day of the year and for everybody before during and after to be so positive, happy and caring. HBTSR supporters and the community of Llangorse and area turned out in good numbers to welcome and support our guests.

This was another wonderful day in Llangorse with many local people clubbing together to ensure that there was plenty to eat , to do, to see. and to enjoy This started with Llangorse school years 4-6 who had made welcome cards that were much admired by the recipients. Then Emma Brown from the School of Homely Learning came with a welcome sign that had been made in her school, and plenty of lovely craft activities that were enjoyed by both visitors and local children who came with the cubs and with parents to join in. Maureen came with beads so bracelets and rings could be made.

Bread was delivered by Kathy and Alex from Pobl Bakery and fruit was donated by many as well. Numerous cakes arrived during the morning. Vegetable stews, pasta bakes, salads, pizza, potatoes and rice were delivered or made up by the wonderful kitchen crew led by Penny, Tina , Chris and Allie.

We had a number of donations of household items including kitchen ware that came from various participants and must have been wanted as not much remained when everyone left.

The coach arrived from Swansea along with some of the local Ukrainian people at around 11.45. On this occasion the coach seated 57 people of a wide range of ages from Grandparents to tiny babies. There were people from Turkey, Afganistan, Sri Lanka, Nicaragua, Pakistan, Iraq, Iran, ,Ethiopia, Georgia, Syria, El Salvador, Ukraine, Zimbabwe, Malaysia, India, St Lucia, Jamaica and Hong Kong as well as English, Welsh, French, German and Malawian and possibly other nationalities amongst our support group. Stuart came up from Cardiff with two of his foster children one from Afghanistan and the other from Sudan who joined in well and made new friends.

After some hot drinks and biscuits, most people went on a walk to the lake. Margaret had brought some grain to feed the ducks which was much appreciated by the swans as well and children of all ages enjoyed the feeding frenzy. It was interesting to see some teenage boys feeding the swans from their hands but sadly most that tried this were rewarded by being pecked. It was interesting to look at the crannog and Interpretation hut through the eyes of the visitors; some marvelling at the concept of a man-made island.

By 1pm most returned to the hall for the delicious lunch whilst a small party of Ramadan observant teenage boys, women and men went with Rev Anna and Adil to St Paulinus church to pray. Anna left them in peace to walk back with E who just wanted to see the church as an observant Christian from Iran. Following lunch we packed takeaways for all the people fasting and ensured that they had plenty of fruit as well.

Taiko Drumming started during lunch and continued afterwards with anyone who wanted to try having a go afterwards. It was lovely to see the delight on all participants’ faces. Many thanks to the Black Mountains Drummers for sharing their expertise and music making with us. Following this an Iranian gentleman felt sufficiently brave to treat us to some songs which he sang beautifully. Then the hall piano was taken over by another man who played a wide range of music for the next hour or so. Later he told me he was self taught and he praised the piano saying that it wasn’t often that he was able to play a piano that was in tune.

A walk to the nearby Morgan’s farm was much appreciated by all as there was the opportunity to see lambs and even to help feed some. Many enjoyed playing on bales and one teenage boy spent over 15 minutes stroking a sheep dog who appeared to be ecstatic. He certainly had a great way with animals and said he missed animals from his childhood home. An Arabic man who had been a shepherd spoke for a while with the farmer about the differences in farming practice and sheep breeds.

Back at the village hall with the piano still being played, drinks and a vast number of cakes were served. Then it was time to say goodbye and let everyone return home.

This will be a day that will be remembered by most for a long time as a day of happiness, welcome and good food and fun.

Thanks to the following for all that they did to make this a special day

The helpers on the day were –

Food and kitchen help – Penny, Tina, Allie, Melrose, Alison, Ailsa, Sian Cox (Local County Councillor), Chris DeManuel, Odile, Carola, Karen, Claire

Plus many more who provided cakes and fruit – can’t name them all.

All round helpers – Nadia, Tim, Adil

Walk – Wally, Lawrence, Robert, Jez

Crafts – Emma and Sue (Llangors School of Homely learning]

Bead work – Maureen

Farm Visit – Thanks to Deri and Freya

Use of Church for prayers – Revs Anna and Trina

Play area and toys – Jane and Cat

Cubs – led by Jess

Also, various visitors who spontaneously performed throughout the day, to entertain everyone – one man from Iran who sang some beautiful traditional songs and a man from Ukraine who played the piano – mostly Queen, his favourite band!

Taiko drummers 

I’m not sure if I have mentioned everyone who helped – I hope I have!

Thanks from Swansea

It’s was a great adventure, we saw the river and the farms .And good people very friendly.

That’s great I was very enjoined and used full for me.
Thank you very much

Sure it’s very nice. Not too difficult outdoor activities, delicious catering, fantastic drumming play. It’s perfect as long as having a sunny day

We offer many thanks to all those that made this such a fantastic day for everyone that involved
We been benefited with their hospitality ,There was a lot of ‘signposting’ going on, which is invaluable. Their kindness is so appreciated, The beautiful lake visit given us chance to get in some fresh air ,moist to the eyes and mother like me will say I feel beautiful on this day,also farm visit with sheep has been give a very new experience for my tender age children. Thank you for bring back my childhoods into and my family.❤️

My family and my parents had a great time. The views were incredible, the food was delicious. The local people are very kind. The performance by the drumming group gave us a boost of energy. Thank you for a wonderful day. 💛💙

We were very happy to visit Llangorse Community Centre today. This is a very beautiful place with wonderful people who were very hospitable. We had a great day. Thank you very much!🤗

Thank you for this wonderful trip. I missed you so much. This area is incredibly beautiful. The lake is magical, very beautiful. I wove a bracelet for myself and my daughter to commemorate this wonderful day. And in Brecon Park, we painted with acrylic paints on canvases. And I also remember that wonderful day looking at the picture I painted with my own hands. Thank you for creating these wonderful memories for us. Miatenko Anna and Oliviia

We have been to Llangorse. Thank you very much for this lovely day! Organisation this day is hight level!

Hi I really enjoyed the nature that I saw the food was good. And meeting new friends that is a day to remember.thank you

Good evening, I want to share my impressions: I have known the Brecon Group for eight years now and I never cease to admire their kindness and hospitality, no matter what, they are always there, always ready to support, for which a HUGE THANK YOU TO THEM. A special thank you to you for giving me a bright and warm day.♥️
With love and respect Guli♥️

Thank you very much for the opportunity, the trip was very nice, everyone very kind.

Thank you so much for this great trip. It was amazing and above our expectations. I never imagined that we would like it so much. This was our first trip in UK. The timing, arrangements, and hospitality were outstanding. Very nice and kind people welcomed us.
Please do include our names for the coming trip 😊