DAY OUT SUCCESS FOR REFUGEES AND ASYLUM SEEKERS
Saturday 23rd of July saw Our Lady of the Valley parishioners, people from other Clitheroe Churches, and members of the Clitheroe Mosque hosting a day out for 38 refugees and asylum seekers from the Middle East and Africa. The organizing team are grateful to everyone for their financial support, practical help, and goodwill.
The weather was kind, and everyone had a good time. At Edisford Bridge the children paddled and played games, learnt how to cook sausages and make bracelets. A bagpiper turned up to entertain, and our guests were keen to have their pictures taken with him. Later they played diamond cricket on St. Michael and St. John’s school field. Father John led a walk along the River Ribble for a small group of adults, and the Mosque put on a delicious BBQ. Later in the afternoon, everyone headed to Sabden (by the Nick o’ Pendle to take in the views) for a delicious traditional cream tea, put on by Sabden parishioners. We learned that our love of cream cakes was something we all had in common! It was particularly moving to see the children having so much fun: one 8-year-old lad told me it was the best day since he had left home!
Manager for Revive, the Charity we have been working with in Manchester, has written to say:
I wish to thank you again for the great Day Out you organised for the refugee and asylum community at Revive.
It’s a fantastic experience for all. The opportunity to see the beautiful country side of Clitheroe; the opportunity to experience the generosity/ hospitality and welcome of your Catholic Parishes and Muslim community were awesome and inspiring.
It was bold and courageous of you to lead and drive this amazing outreach project to the refugee and asylum community.
Everyone was gushing with praise and admiration for you and your team. Many declared the day out as one of the best days of their lives. And the question from everyone has been: Can we do this again, regularly?
I thought we could and should. It is a worthwhile event and a win for all, hence I wish we book it in again in our calendar for 2017 (22nd July). What do you think?
Warm regards to the Christian Parishes and the Muslim community at Clitheroe for making our day.
Thanks and God bless. Uchenna Odenigbo
Just over £1,000 was raised towards the day, and so there are sufficient funds left over in Revive’s account to kick-start a similar event next year. We should give it a go!
Tom Clay