Clun, Shropshire, a little village with a winding river and a mediaeval ruined castle on a hill. A group of Clun Valley Quakers with the biggest hearts. Every year for ten years they have invited asylum seekers and refugees from Wolverhampton for a day of relaxation and fun in their beautiful countryside.

One morning in late August about 50 of us from Wolverhampton arrived at Clun in two minibuses and four cars. Refugees, asylum seekers, and volunteers. Families and some single young men from countries across the world – Afghanistan, China, India, Iraq, Sudan, Syria…. After refreshments, we were free to choose – football in the field, face painting, arts and crafts in the marquee, music in the music tent, clothing in the donations tent. Or a short walk to the ruined castle on the hill, a heady mix of choices all wrapped up in love, laughter and freedom for a day.

At lunchtime (heaps of beautiful food) a refugee from Syria stood up and gave an impromptu speech describing his perilous journey to the UK over 8 years ago, leaving his wife and 3 children behind, not knowing if he would ever see them again. Two years later in an important moment of pure joy he met them when they finally arrived at Birmingham Airport.

A refugee from The Gambia stood up to offer a second impromptu speech, and gave a powerful testimony to the precious friendships he has made by coming to Clun over the years and the difference it has made to him and his wife who had felt completely alone in a foreign country.

There were presents for the children to choose from, musical instruments to experiment with, dancing to an accordion, and flowers for guests to take away. Before we left, a local Quaker praised the group for their inspiring courage, bravery and resilience and said what a privilege it had been to meet them all. In these days of growing intolerance and hostility, his words shone like a light in the darkness. Small things with great love make all the difference, this is how the world could be.

A few days later the Government announced the suspension of the refugee route for family reunions with immediate effect. This is devastating news for some of our refugees. Supporting and uplifting refugees through personal and global heartbreaks has never been more important.

Copied with permission from Staffordshire Quaker, Autumn Issue, October 2025