BUDE Refugee Support Group recently held a party for their members and the two Syrian families who have come to live in their town.

Held on Saturday, April 28, the party was to celebrate the group achieving its main aim of providing sanctuary for two families from war-torn Syria.

Mary Whibley, chair of the group, said: “There were about 40 of us altogether and a great time was had by all.”

Jackie Thorpe organised the six children of the families, plus group members’ children and grandchildren, to play games such as pass the parcel and musical bumps. Yasmin Wilde did some face painting so the children were transformed into tigers, fairies and pirates.

There was a buffet, including splits with jam and cream, plus some wonderful, typical Syrian food of falafels, hummous and cheese and spinach pastries.

The first family who arrived in Bude last June sang a Syrian song about the alphabet and presented the group with a poster (pictured).

They are helping the second family to settle in and are brilliant interpreters.

Mary continued: “We are so proud of how well they are learning English and becoming independent. They have a great sense of humour and are kind, respectful people who will do anything to help others.”

The second family only arrived a few weeks ago. Their three children are already at school and nursery. The group provides daily English lessons, cultural orientation, practical help, interpretation and support to find work.

Mary said: “We will continue guiding these families until they are independent. This will be quite soon for our first family, but as they are now good friends with so many members of the group, we will always be there for them should they need us.”

The parents of both families carry the terrible sadness of the Syrian war — losing their homes and close-knit families who are either dead, uncontactable in Syria or dispersed to Jordan, Lebanon and Turkey.

The families applied to come to the UK to give their children a future they would not otherwise have had.

Mary added: “On behalf of the group, I would like to thank all our sponsors who have made this possible with their monthly donations and also the wider community who simply smile or say ‘hello’, thus making people feel welcome, accepted and safe.”

For further information about Bude Refugee Support Group, visit the Facebook page Bude Welcomes Refugees or visit www.buderefugeesupportgroup.org.uk