We wanted to raise a small sum of cash quickly to help an Asylum Seeker in difficulty. Over a cup of tea we came up with the idea of holding a coffee morning. And also using the event to raise awareness of Asylum Seekers and destitution amongst our friends and neighbours.

So we hurriedly sent emails to anyone who had shown an interest in City of Sanctuary, friends, neighbours, members of our local community choir and quite frankly anybody else we could think of. We asked local churches to include us in their notices and put some notices through neighbours doors.

Out came the baking tins and pickling jars. We spent an afternoon painting jam jars with glass paint. Dividing house and garden plants and pricing up some jewellery someone had donated.

Friends were asked to come and pour teas and coffees. more friends were asked to man the plant and book stalls.

We opened Linda’s front door on Saturday morning at 10am not knowing whether six or 60 people would turn up. And closed it at noon.

Yes, lots of people turned up, we think more than 70. Yes, the sun was shining and people sat and talked, ate and drank in the garden, on the sofas and on the floors. They brought with them donations of toothpaste, toothbrushes, rice, pasta and teabags and £439 (after expenses). And took away with them new friendships and an understanding of what the term ‘Asylum Seeker’ means.