Oswestry Welcomes Syrian Refugees at Tea Party

Seven Syrian refugee families were made to feel welcome at an afternoon tea party in Oswestry on Tuesday.

Visitors tucked into lots of tasty afternoon treats including cakes and biscuits at the event at the Willow Gallery which was hosted by Oswestry Welcomes Refugees supporters – as part of Refugee Week 2019.

Along with many of their friends who they have made since their arrival in the town, the seven families were joined by the Rotary Club of Oswestry, Oswestry Equality Group, Shropshire Council, Qube, Kinokulture, Castle Mill and Pontfadog WI, Oswestry's Hope Church and many others who have helped them settle since they arrived.

Organiser Jools Payne, said: "It was a wonderfully uplifting experience to see so many people interacting with our delightful Syrian families and especially heart-warming to see so many of the Syrians using their English language skills.

"We must never forget what, and who, these families have lost and left behind.

"They too continue to be overwhelmed by the warmth of the welcome they have received from the people of Oswestry and the surrounding area.

"I’m particularly interested in hearing from local business owners who may be interested in offering work placements for the men in the group who are keen to learn new skills now their English has come along leaps and bounds.

"A special thank you goes to our hardest working volunteers, Jackie Leather and Valentine Davis, for the enormous support they have given the families over the past three years."

At the party, Kawa Ghaze and his family were presented with a Smart TV, which was the latest donation by the Rotary Club of Oswestry.

Anyone wishing to learn more about how they can volunteer can contact Jools Payne on 01691 680717 or email jools@thejoolspaynepartnership.com.

Rebecca Lennard - Border Counties Advertizer 21st June 2019

An email from Jools Payne was received requesting support for the purchase of a smart TV in order to allow a new Syrian refugee family access to Middle Eastern News Channels. The TV has already been purchased by Jools (on Black Friday) for £150.00 and the Committee strongly support the idea that we bear the cost in full. Council recommends this to Club.

Club Council 5/12/18