A GROUP of 20 refugees and asylum-seekers from Wolverhampton spent a day in and around Bishop's Castle on October 15 at the invitation of a Clun Valley Quaker meeting. The City of Sanctuary movement in Wolverhampton had organised transport in the form of two cars and a minibus. The group explored the ruins of the castle demolished in the Civil War, why the King and parliament were fighting, and how did this lead to democracy, whether this was why the United States later decided to be a republic and how Quakerism rose out of the religious conflict at that time. Members did their best to answer – often haltingly in French, as nearly all the visitors were from francophone Africa (Morocco, the Ivory Coast, Democratic Republic of Congo and Malawi).

The children ran about on the grassy slopes and then it was back to the bus for the short journey to Bishop's Castle. Lunch, music and games were followed by a tour of the town. The 18th century magistrate's bench in the Town Hall attracted their attention, as did the stocks and former prison cell in the basement. The Town Hall staff told the visitors about a mysterious African's Grave in the churchyard dated 1801, with links to the abolition of slavery. Then it was back to the Church Barn and tea, with more help from stalwart church friends.

Members heard about the cramped and shared accommodation endured by the refugees, the loneliness, the undermining uncertainty as to their futures, the fact that they are not allowed to work and the lack of money. Most of them had never been out of Wolverhampton before as they couldn't afford it. Members were struck by their courage and dignity.

See pics to accompany story above. Sent as Jpegs.

Picture 001: members of Clun Valley Quakers entertain visitors from the City Sanctuary in Wolverhampton in the Church Barn, Bishop's Castle.

Picture 002: Visitors from Wolverhampton outside Bishop's Castle Town Hall.

Picture 003 visitors from Wolverhampton visit the grave of the 'Unknown African' in Bishop's Castle Churchyard.