Thanu rang ‘ I’m sorry. Due to an unexpected event,  I can’t come but George will accompany the visitors ‘ . George then texted at 10.30’ we’re on our way with 63 on board! ‘ First coaches boss  Alun had agreed that so long as children under 5 sat on parent’s knees safely then that would be ok – it was so much appreciated.
The 63 joined by Phil and Maria , many local parents and children, our friend Steph and foster son , a group from Abergavenny Town of Sanctuary  and some local Ukrainian people arrived in sunshine to a warm welcome. Cat had set up a bubble machine outside the entrance so children were captivated  by the swirling, colourful and unique entrance greeting. This continued inside where Hay school children had made multilingual greeting signs on both entrance doors  and the welcome desk.

this was a very popular item in the entrance hall that many children returned to sit by and try to interact with.

Walking into into the hall , people were greeted by bright tableclothes and plates of home made biscuits. Hot drinks were available throughout the day courtesy of Carola, Sue, Tim and others. Beautiful dried flower arrangements could be made on one table with the help of Lisa and at another was clay making  with Gaynor  Kand Joyce which was very popular. Gaynor enthused ‘ We had some really talented children working with the clay, as well as some teenagers and the occasional mum, all of whom were full of enthusiasm and ideas. None was wasted. A young Ukrainian boy made a fabulous tea pot, which was better than Johnny Vegas’s one that is in the V&A.
Then there was the crown and plenty of interesting cups and bowls. One of the mums made a beautiful little pot and a lying down llama. We also had several hedgehogs, rabbits and an attempt at a guinea pig. A good number of children stayed all morning, or came and went. The initial enthusiasm to choose a coloured apron to wear wore off after a time, but we did keep on asking!’

The welsh Dragon biscuits were a great idea and tasted amazing too.

Gaynor and Joyce setting up the clay; which subsequently took over its own full sized table.

Lisa and flowers

In the Library, there was colouring, Lego and quilting. The PTFA took on Face painting and were busy all day! The quilting table  led by Jenny and assisted by various friends including Christina  also seemed to be a quiet haven for people to sit, stitch and chat. Please see  here for details of the quilts being made

Emily came in to help set up and it was good to see many poeple trying thier hand at Quilting.

Meanwhile outside, Dafydd was on long-term playground duty! Initially there were loads of balls and many different games playing in and around the extensive grounds but focused on the tarmac area. The drizzly rain started at around 1 and persisted but then so did the football players. Fair weather players went for lunch but children from 6 to 60 formed teams and the resulting game seemed to be much enjoyed by all.  One young lad commented that he’d especially enjoyed playing with so many other keen people and none seemed to feel that they needed to stop. Lunch was served until nearly 3pm.

wet footballers waiting for plates to be washed and food to be found!

A particular highlight for me was watching an exhausted mum with an overactive 5 year old who was able to leave him to run around the grounds to his heart’s content whilst she sat indoors. Once she realised that the grounds really were secure and there was nothing dangerous that he might encounter , she could relax for  a while. Maybe he slept on the way home?

A walk around Hay set off in the rain at around 2 and the town was much admired. The  England /Wales border was demonstrated as as often happens some people found it hard to believe that there was freedom to walk across the bridge with no controls. The seemingly obligatory selfies and posed photos  requested to be taken by Michael meant that some walkers returned quite slowly…

An enormous array of cakes greeted the walkers’ return and then it was time to leave with some asking to stay longer.. Tom Owen had thoughtfully provided all the children with small gift bags containing some treats including  small books. These were handed out as they boarded the bus although many had also benefitted from his generous supply of reading books suitable for all ages, colouring sheets and crayons earlier on.  In addition to all of this, the generous donations from the PTFA , Tom, other locals and  supporters ensured that we were able to send lots of suitable  food back to Swansea that will form the basis for their Christmas party.

Andrew the coach driver  waited patiently whilst we checked and doubled checked everyone was on board and then resigned to missing the Rugby completely set off with a cheery wave.

Tom with a small sample of his many donations – his car was totally full.

Some visitors found it hard to believe that a head teacher would come into his workplace on his day off. Richard made everyone feel very welcome and must have been exhausted after a very long cleaning session at the end of the day.

THANKS to so very many people who made this day such a success.

Claire for Coordination

To Richard and Sally Morris who made it all possible

THANKS FROM Visitors

Just a note to thank you ALL for a wonderful day at Hay School. As usual, the welcome was relaxed and warm. The bus was very full of new faces and many ‘older’ faces of those who have been with us for many years.It is a tribute to you all that there is never any shortage of people wanting to attend the trips.
It is impossible for words to truly express the appreciation that we all feel. I know that is a mammoth task for such a day to go successfully, and that this takes a team of generous, willing, kind hearted  people. I am aware of the preparation beforehand, the planning, the hard work on the day and the clearing up. I can only assure you that as always, a full bus of happy children, parents and adults travelled back to Swansea with full tummies and lovely memories.
I think that individuals take different things from such a Welcome Day and many find it difficult to put into words. However, the words, ‘relaxed’,’ lovely people’, ‘welcome’ ‘lovely food’, ‘games’ and ‘beautiful place’ are mentioned time and time again. The family we took back in the car were chatting enthusiastically for about ten minutes and then the two boys fell fast asleep.
The pottery, face painting, dried flower arranging,  sewing, and walk were just a few activities on offer. We also much appreciate the kindness of the Headteacher and staff at Hay school for giving up a precious Sunday. The food was delicious and the people serving so friendly and welcoming.
I hope you all have a well deserved, relaxing evening, knowing that the day was a huge success.
Many, many thanks,
From Maria, Philip and George, on behalf of us all at SASS

Greetings! I really liked this trip to Hay- on- Wye. There were, as always, various master classes for children. The women went home with bouquets – ekibano, which they made themselves. We met with beautiful and kind people.
I want to go back there and spend more time in this interesting place, walk the streets, eat ice- cream near the Clock -Tower . Thanks to the organizers for this trip!
good evening Yeah we had lovely time and we enjoyed thank you for everything ❤️
We had a great day in Hay-on-Wye today. Thanks a lot to the staff who made this day amazing for us.Everything was good and we were glad to meet new friends.

We had a very good trip, thank you very much

Very nice, we are endlessly pleased
We had a very good trip, thank you very much
Thank you it was a fun trip and my kids were very happy.