Every Welcome Day brings its own little surprises — but this one started with a first: a water shortage. On the evening of Tuesday 12th August, Fran got word that some essential works might leave us high and dry the next day. But before panic could set in, our wonderful supporters sprang into action. Water began to appear in every imaginable container — bottles, flasks, tea urns, plastic tubs, glass jars… if it could hold water, it was filled. And it came with mountains of food, smiles, and a “nothing’s going to stop us” spirit.

In my own small mission, I managed to inconvenience not one, but two kind souls. First, I called our vicar Anna to ask for a large tea urn. This led to her driving ten miles, enjoying a series of “essential” conversations en route, and eating her evening meal very late indeed. Then there was Dara, who had borrowed a large handwashing station from us and — true hero — returned it before 9am on Wednesday, full of water and ready to go. In the end, the mains supply behaved itself, but we were certainly prepared for a drought.

A Feast Fit for Friends

Food poured in from all directions. Black Mountain College contributed lettuce — washed the night before, perfectly crunchy, and blissfully slug-free despite the circumstances. From Alfie Dan’s small market garden near the Felinfach Griffin, we had tomatoes, peppers, carrots, radishes, cucumber, spring onions, coriander, and salad potatoes — all organically grown and funded through the Bwyd Powys Food Grant.

Jan Williams, once of Pilgrims café in Brecon, created delicious quiches and bread, also made possible through the grant. Dennis and Cathy from Abergavenny Market sold us, at cost, a box of Pink Lady apples, oranges, bananas, nectarines, and a tray of grapes.

And then there were the many personal contributions — Adil’s trays of falafel, samosas, potato vada, and bean salads; Barbara and Reg’s biscuits; Gail’s pasta salad and her Middle Eastern-style vegetarian “meatballs”; and Rowland’s locally picked strawberries. David provided over 120 Welsh cakes which were a great way to welcome people as they arrived. Every dish was made and brought with one unspoken message: you are welcome here.

Setting the Stage

The Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority BBPNA once again gave us use of the Visitor Centre in Libanus and its Education Centre. Fran, though newly retired, had worked her usual magic — arranging transport, the venue, the weather, and an army of volunteers. Gazebos went up, tables and chairs appeared, and the water (for the Education Centre has none at any time) was carried in. The support of Eleri, Jackie and Steve was much appreciated.

Nicola and Maggie, Sport and Active Communities Development Officers, set up a sports area with bikes, archery, games, and circus skills, ably assisted by Darcy and Eden.

Crafts

Creativity and Connection

The Big Skill returned to run ever-popular craft sessions, with Jane and Kath from Aberdare leading painting and mosaic making. Emma Brown from Llangorse School of Homely Learning brought a collaborative artwork — a tree made from children’s footprints, decorated with handprints and messages. One of the most touching came from an Afghan girl: “I want to be a doctor but in Afghanistan I couldn’t go to school.”

Walk and Curlews

Walks, Wildlife, and Welsh Cakes

No Welcome Day would be complete without a guided walk. At the viewpoint, Fran pointed out the mountains while Eleri taught children about the plight of curlews. Soon, they were building “curlew nests” from grass, bracken and sticks, one boy proudly reciting his new knowledge: “The females have longer beaks… the babies can’t fly for four weeks… and the parents have to sit on the eggs for four weeks.”

The day

And in amongst all this activity drinks,biscuits, fruit, lunch and cakes were served and enjoyed. Lots of chats took place and mums were able to watch their children playing with with the sports equipment or on the playpark.

Our welcome desk was busy selling raffle tickets and giving out information. The handout from Safe passage was shared by Penny [ follow this link ] although not really needed as most people were either actively supportive or not concerned about the lively group occupying the grass in front of the centre. One family in particular from Haverfordwest was delighted to be able to have so much fun and be part of such a ethnically mixed group.

And so, with tired legs but full hearts, we packed away, already thinking ahead — though perhaps with a little pause before the next grand gathering.

Thoughts from the day

Vivienne- ‘It was a pleasure to come ‘ up the lane ‘ from home to meet with everyone having a really happy day !    It was good that the weather was a bit cooler and a nice breeze ,making for a more enjoyable day for all the activities taking place .

   I’d bought the international flags cloth for the exhibition at the Found Gallery ,but it didn’t get used , I thought it would suit being used at the reception table and it seemed to be just the job!

  I had a very interesting conversation with a delightful family from Afghanistan . From what   I understand ,theirs is a story all too typical now . Well qualified , quietly getting on with raising a family in Swansea in not an ideal situation ,patiently waiting to make a full contribution to life here and inadequate systems failing  to facilitate that. It makes me angry ….anger is not helpful though ,and that’s why I think what you do is helpful in making good people in dire circumstances realise we are generally welcoming and in fact needing to welcome people here to realise for them a safe and better quality of life , but perhaps even more so ,to enrich our quality of life too!

Lis to Julia & Steve, Adil, Mary, Penny, Val & Marion, Rhiannon, Barbara & Reg, Rowland, Lawrence, Christina, Gaynor K, Ruth, Margaret & Pat, Melrose, Robert, Nadia, Lily, Jackie, Fran, Gail, Sally, Christopher, Yannick, Emma Brown, Margaret Mc B, Ailsa

‘Many many thanks for all your help at the Mountain Centre Welcome Day today –
to all who set up, welcomed, shopped, cooked, baked, sliced, chopped, served, organised activities, washed up, cleared away,  hoovered – all with such willingness & good humour

You are very lovely people & it was greatly appreciated – what a team!

Here’s to the next one – but not quite yet………………..’

Jan. From Abergavenny Town of Sanctuary.

We had such a brilliant day and the families we brought enjoyed it so much. I wish we could persuade more to come – but I’m sure those who did will go back and spread the word! 

Please convey our thanks to all your volunteers – what a fantastic team you have. I can’t believe all the food that was provided – a real feast . It was a great venue too and ideal weather. Couldn’t be faulted. 

We look forward to seeing you again in the Autumn. 

Feedback from Swansea

We had a great time thank

Yeah, it was really a wonderful trip.
We enjoyed too much.
Thanks for organising this trip

Thank you so muchI I’m really enjoyed the trip and relaxing. And enjoy have a sit down drawing for an hour. And walk up the hill is amazing.