This was the tenth time we’ve been at Penpont since 2017 and as always it was a relaxing, enjoyable and fun day out. A coach of 53 people seeking sanctuary came up from Swansea and a few local Ukrainian refugees came along, Stuart from Cardiff with five young people seeking sanctuary and about 30 volunteers complete with masses of food.

Vina and Gavin were even busier than usual given that a grandchild’s birth was eagerly anticipated and was duly born that evening. Meanwhile they were ever present and as welcoming as always. On this occasion a new thing for us was being able ‘to sell’ some of the Penpont produced Organic vegetables to our visitors.Lawrence was shopkeeper for a few hours so that as people wanted to buy he was able to note down what they wanted and we paid up at the end thanks to our grant from Bwyd Powys Food. It was interesting discussing the vegetables with different people and swapping recipes.

The events in Penpont would not be the same without the leadership from Jackie, Margaret and Vina who make the day go with a relaxed tempo whilst there is always being something going on. The horses with Fiona and friends are definitely a highlight of the day for many people and as ever there was always a queue of people hoping to have a ride. The horses and leaders are extremely patient and walked to and fro over the bridge countless times during the day.

The weather was the kindest that it has ever been for us and meant that most of the crafts we had thought about were not needed. People were very happy to sit and chat in the wonderful courtyard between food and walks.

After refreshments of hot and cold drinks, biscuits and fruit on arrival,Trevor led the first walk of the day to the walled vegetable garden. This was a great highlight of the day for Hazle of Unity in Diversity as she has set up a small gardening club and was keen to gather some tips. The first must be that a walled garden and poly tunnels allow things to grow much quicker. The walk was beautiful and the gardens much admired

On the way back to the courtyard many people stopped off to see the river and enjoy skimming stones. We always issue warnings about the river but on this occasion the flow was not fast and the stony areas were able to be stood upon.

And so to Lunch which we all shared . On this occasion many people took their food outside to enjoy the sunshine and it was lovely to see people sitting around in groups chatting. There was a wonderful array of vegetable dishes and salads and even latecomers had a great choice of foods. Over 50 takeaway containers were packed up so people could have a further delicious meal at home.

After lunch another walk was led by Trevor to the church and the maze. Some of us wandered along to the maze later on. and it was much admired. Several children were on hand to show others around and back out again. They had great fun.

I wandered into the woods with Hazle and Lilian and saw a carved statue. We all agreed that 2 heads were better than one.

We walked back by the lawn where a football game had eventually started with Adil and Lawrence encouraging children to play.

Emily and friends did some quilting with people during the day especially once they set up outisde.

Then it was time for cake and there were so many varieties to choose from ; many tried everything! . There was plenty of fruit remaining which Lilian and friends bagged up so that everyone was able to have a bag of fruit to go home with as well as some cake and a ready made meal. Our plan in buying fruit with the generous grant that Bwyd Powys food have given us is to be able to ensure that our guests will have fruit to take home and enjoy later on..

Many thanks to

Vina and  Gavin for their generous hospitality and help both before and on the day

Thanks are due to Bwyd Powys food for their generous funding which helped us to buy fruit and bread and also the organic vegetables at Penpont that went home with people to enjoy during the week. Thanks to our suppliers:- Matthews Fruit and Veg, St Mary’s Bakery, Claire’s Wholefood and our many volunteers and supporters who made or bought vast amounts of food.

Kitchen ‘Staff’

Jackie [ Indispensable as always ] -..plus food
Vina ..Plus food
Moira, … plus food 
Melrose … plus food
 Lynne…plus food
 Barbara … plus food
 Julia.. plus food
 . 
Annie
 Sally. Mike and Sue..Plus food. Kumari.. plus food. Claire. Rhiannon

other food donations and helpers

Gaynor Rowland. Sue B. Penny ,Ailsa ,Mark and Janet, Virginia, Sue

Other Volunteer helpers

Esme- a seasoned helper now

Emily, and the  Quilting team

Facepainters; Claire and Michelle

Babs and Stew

Carola

Philip on ‘Welcome Desk’

Adil – football ‘coach’

Lawrence – ‘general factotum’

Fiona, Kate, and the  ‘Pony Team’

Trevor – walks leader

Reg

Yannick and Vince Pony queue controllers

With apologies to anyone whose name is missing from the list. It was wonderful to have so many volunteers there, not only to do practical tasks, but also to greet and mingle with our guests.

Thanks from attendees

Hello, the trip was very fun and wonderful to meet such kind people, thank you very much.

Hi, We went and on the way back to home
Enjoyed the day out
Thanks for your help

Hi we had a great day in
Penpont I really enjoyed the day thank you

Thank you very much for wonderful day. Everything was great 🥰

Thanks for arranging this trip; it was nice and we really enjoyed too much.
Hello, thank you all. It was a beautiful and enjoyable day. I had a lot of fun with you. I wish you all the best. It will be a beautiful memory 🤍❤️🙏
Thank you so much for the wonderful day we had. The trip was absolutely amazing, and we truly enjoyed every part of it. The kids especially had an incredible time playing with the horses and participating in all the fun activities you organized — it was such a joy to see their smiles!

We are so grateful for the warm hospitality we received and the thoughtful way they hosted us. Thank you again for making it such a special and memorable day. We look forward to many more beautiful experiences like this with you

Hello….it was an amazing day I really did enjoyed so much the people there attend us very nicely they were very kind to us offered us hot and cold drinks lots of different delicious foods was a great trip for me to meeting new kind lovely British people I love it thanks to you all and thanks to people who does do this awesome organisation…hopefully next trip my name will be there again would love to go see new places and have new experiences meet new peoples once more thank you all of you for that amazing trip today…have a lovely evening.

Many Thanks to Margaret, Ailsa & Lawrence, Mel, Adil, Sue, Penny, Trevor and everyone involved in a wonderful day out for the Boys. It was such a joy for Musab, Ayob, Noor, Quynh & Minh to enjoy your terrific generosity & hospitality,  in such a magnificent setting as Penpont. The Boys have been sharing stories & photos of their “amazing day ” .Diolch yn Fawr. 

Wonderful day. Sorry we did not stay to finish clearing up. I fear we ran out of puff. Much enjoyed meeting the Sri Lankan family amongst others.