HBTSR suppporters and people seeking sanctuary in Swansea enjoyed a wonderful day out at the Bannau Brycheiniog Visitor Centre in Libanus, with a packed programme of activities, good food and plenty of opportunities to meet, chat and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. The enjoyment of the day was not even dented by an occasional rain squall as these were perfectly timed for food or drink breaks.

The day was made possible by a fantastic team effort spearheaded by Lis and Tamara. From setting up gazebos and welcoming people, to leading activities, preparing and serving food, making drinks, cutting cakes and fruit, washing up and clearing everything away, there was a huge amount going on throughout . Everyone played their part in making the day run smoothly, and the result was a warm and welcoming day for all who attended. Even better was that before the coach returned to Swansea with our guests, they had all helped to tidy up so about 30 minutes after they had left we were all able to leave, too. We were particularly grateful for the support of the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority [BBNPA]. As well as providing staff assistance, the BBNPA funded the coach, loaned gazebos and games equipment, and made the education room available to us. Their staff were involved throughout the day and helped to make the visit such a success.

There was a great range of activities for people to enjoy, with additional craft resources provided by members of The Big Skill. Games, crafts and other activities gave everyone the chance to get involved, have fun and spend time together. The children also made good use of the Visitor Centre’s play area, which proved particularly popular. We were delighted that 3 of the neighbourhood policing team called in to chat and meet our guests. One of the guests has just started volunteering with the Neighbourhood team in Swansea. He says that when/ if he is given leave to remain he will ensure he lives in a flat area as currently he lives on a very steep hill which he finds exhausting. .

For those who wanted to explore the beautiful landscape, Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority (BBNPA) staff led a walk, giving people the opportunity to get out into the countryside and enjoy some of the spectacular views around the Visitor Centre. It was a lovely way to experience the National Park and to learn more about the area from people who know it so well.

The welcome and response from people visiting the centre was very positive. Some people who met members of the HBTSR team around the welcome desk expressed their appreciation, and several people made financial donations to thank us for what we were doing.

Of course, no HBTSR day out would be complete without food! The catering was superb with contributions from very many people. There was plenty of delicious food, fresh fruit and a very impressive selection of cakes. David Meredith’s Welsh cakes went very quickly. There was even enough cake and fruit to send back to Swansea with Maria for the Friday drop-in, which will be greatly appreciated both by attendees and the budget holders!.

We were delighted to receive some lovely feedback from people who came along. One mother, who was visiting with her daughter and experiencing an HBTSR trip for the first time, sent us this message:

“Hello, it was a beautiful and wonderful trip. This was my first trip with you and my two-and-a-half-year-old daughter’s first experience. Thank you so much. The food was delicious, and the staff were wonderful and kind to us and the children. We were comfortable and enjoyed ourselves, and my daughter enjoyed herself very much. Thank you for all your wonderful and beautiful efforts.”

It was also lovely to see Mary, Adil and Anja, and particularly touching to receive Mary’s message of thanks for everyone’s care, concern and best wishes. These moments of care and connection are such an important part of what HBTSR is about. It was also good to have cakes/ biscuits from both Pauline and Barbara who made and dispatched them despite being unwell.

A huge thank you to everyone who helped make the day such a success. The enthusiasm, generosity and teamwork of everyone involved created a memorable day out for many people. We are already looking forward to doing it all again next year! [allegedly!]

Thanks to

Lis, Stuart, Adil and Tamara for coordinating the plans and hard work

To the volunteer youth wardens who came to help and to communities team members Eleri, Simon and Joanna for their help and support

to The many HBTSR volunteers for food, fun and so much more Jodie Griffith, Robert East , Mike and Sue Gatehouse,Jackie Thomas, Francesca Bell ,Lynne and Philip Oliver, Lawrence Duffy, Christina Campbell , Claire Armstrong , Rowland Jepson , Melrose East , Margaret Blake , Ailsa Dunn, and Claire Harrison

To Viv and Jane from the Big Skill for imaginative and fun crafts.

also to Bwyd Powys Food and Keep Wales Tidy for grants that helped with catering and allowed us to buy in some additional local foods such as bread from Beacons Creative and quiches from Janssons. [ After Lunch was almost finished Lis realised she’d forgotten the pizza which she’d put aside for safe keeping i. It all went very quickly…

Thanks From

*Thank you very much for the opportunity and your support to us, it’s really really very meaningful
Please do let us know if you will drop into Swansea by any chance, I really wanted to treat the you and the ladies who was so supportive to us as my guest

*Thank you both for inviting me to attend the event yesterday, it was lovely to meet everyone and see what a valuable and welcoming environment you have all created. The food was fantastic too!