REPRESENTATIVES of the Bude Refugee Support Group, Mary and Mike Whibley, were given a warm welcome when they visited Yeolmbridge Methodist Church recently.

Sandra Smale, honorary secretary of the church council, presented Mary with a cheque for £375 being the proceeds of the recent harvest festival celebrations held at the church.

It had previously been decided to give the proceeds of the harvest festival to the rehoming of Afghan refugees in England, and by coincidence the Post had recently reported on the activities of the Bude Refugee Support Group so the church members were able to make contact with Mary.

While everyone enjoyed coffee and biscuits, Mary spoke of their experiences of dealing with legislation concerning refugees. She talked of the two Syrian families they have welcomed to Bude, of the trials and tribulations of dealing with legal matters concerning their stay, becoming British citizens and general everyday matters and of the joy in seeing the families settle in happily.  She answered many questions. They are now hoping to welcome an Afghan family to Bude and have begun a new appeal for funds to help the resettlement of Afghan refugees to possibly Bude but certainly to the South West.

For any further information visit their Facebook page ‘Bude welcomes Refugees’.