Huddersfield Town of Sanctuary event at the Meeting House October 31st 2010-11-05

**The word great is often used to fill in for the lack of a suitable adjective. But if would be properly used to describe the Huddersfield Town of Sanctuary event which took place at the Meeting House on Sunday 31st October from noon until 4pm.

The spirit of generosity, enthusiasm and friendliness was evident in every category of activity and among the diverse groups of people who attended, of whom there were about 90.

In a crowded George Fax room people listened to music of drums and accordion played by Avtar Lota and Robin Bowles while a superb buffet was prepared by Massoumeh Kalhorynajad– the clean plates were evidence of its quality.

The Young Ethical Pioneers from Thornton Lodge were on hand to serve tea and Oromo fair trade coffee, supported by members of the Lorna Young Foundation.
Following the meal an attentive audience watched a short film about City of Sanctuary which was an introduction to the three speakers who gave brief informed talks. First was Tony Bowers from Kirklees Refugee Forum, then James Bar Bowen, chair of Huddersfield Town of Sanctuary who spoke about his role and finally Tiffy Allen the new national co-ordinator of City of Sanctuary. Tiffy Allen spoke warmly about Huddersfield generally and its friendly outreach, about Huddersfield being the first town of sanctuary and, in particular, which deeply impressed her, by all the goodwill evidenced so far. She told us how the movement nationally is growing in significance.

Alongside adult activities the children and young people were provided for by Richard Byrne, a storyteller and by Claire Whiteley and Victoria Kennedy, all of them joining together after lunch.

It is less than a year since the first meeting at the Methodist Mission to see if there was enough support to set up Huddersfield Town of Sanctuary. We have done a great deal in that time. We have a very good steering group, with people bringing their skills and enthusiasm and hard work together to make people in Huddersfield more aware of sanctuary seekers and refugees in our communities. There are people who are used to working with the media, planning events, looking after the money, working with sanctuary seekers. From a personal point of view meeting and becoming friends with people seeking sanctuary has made a huge difference to how I see my own life as I get to know more about theirs. (read more by clicking on the title above)

Dewi and Annette Hughes organised a lovely bilingual evening event, with music and poetry, at Capel y Nant, Clydach 11th November to raise awareness of the City of Sanctuary movement.

It was a dark and very stormy night but we found warmth and shelter at Capel y Nant on Wednesday evening. We were welcomed into the light from the downpour with tea and some wonderful barabrith.

The event was compered by the Welsh poet Robat Powell. Local musicians Bill and Dr Fiona Gannon sang a beautiful Welsh carol followed by a medley of tunes on piano and saxophone. Next was Alhaji Kamara who entertained us with his wonderful lyrical poems extolling peace and love. Humberto Gatica's poems are beautiful and powerful but their harshness belies his soft delivery. The evening closed with more music, this time classical, played by The Cwmtawe Ensemble.

We left to find the storm had passed on - we had definitely found the best way to wait it out.

The entertainers : photo by Annette Hughes

Dewi Hughes talking to Alhaji Kamara and Robat Powell

Visit Hafan Books Lulu site to find out about Humberto Gatica and Alhaji Kamara's poetry books