Hugh Grant -- The Stirling Citizens for Sanctuary which has been involved in settling Syrian families in our county.

STIRLING CITIZENS FOR SANCTUARY

Hugh Grant was welcomed on his return as guest speaker to the Bridge of Allan and Dunblane Rotary Club meeting on Thursday.His subject was the Stirling Citizens for Sanctuary initiative (SCfS), initially established in June 2015 in the Stirling Council area by a group concerned about the plight of vulnerable refugees from Syria.

Hugh spoke movingly of the background that had given impetus to the establishment of the group. He described the appalling circumstances in Syria where, as a result of the internal conflict, out of a total population of eighteen million, five million people have left the country to find refuge in neighbouring countries, and where a further six million have been displaced in Syria itself.Aware of the inevitable human suffering and the precarious nature of the existence of these refugees, a number of Stirling citizens approached local politicians, then in the period leading up to the local elections.They drew to their attention the government grants available for resettlement of the most vulnerable refugees, and sought a commitment that Stirling would act to resettle some of these refugees. There was unanimous support for such a commitment.

Following a vigil at the Albert Halls and a petition in support of such steps, the Council agreed to take action and appointed a lead officer in October 2015.It was some four months later that the first refugees arrived, by which time Clackmannanshire Council had joined Stirling in supporting the resettlement efforts.

SCfS, in the meantime, was established as a registered charity with a group of trustees, a paid employee and more than fifty volunteers. While the two Councils are involved in the provision of housing and appropriate education and health arrangements, SCfS has worked with the Councils, focusing on integrating the refugees into the community, helping with transport, providing sporting and recreational activities and giving practice in English.This involvement and support has been greatly appreciated by the refugees, who, in turn, have responded with warm appreciation.

Overall, Hugh gave an optimistic assessment of the project to-date. Its success has rested on the effective collaboration between the Councils and SCfS, which has ensured a smooth integration of the refugees into the community, and made a contribution to the refugee crisis.

In closing, Hugh drew attention to a special fundraising concert to be given by Aman Jarjour, the internationally renowned classical guitarist, on Saturday 4^th March at 7.30 pm in Kippen Parish Church.Proceeds will be used to address needs arising from the Syrian crisis.

Peter Holmes, Speaker’s Host, thanked Hugh for his talk, and conveyed members’ admiration of the work SCfC is doing.

President Nick Rawlings announced the winners of the annual curling competition for the Charlie Proctor broom.This year, the team led by Graham Russell, with members Alan Lee, Stuart Brown and Rod Jones, overcame their rivals by a comfortable margin.