The Great Big Hadleigh Welcome
Suffolk churches welcome refugees “to create happy memories”
Two of a market town’s leading church fellowships welcomed a group of Suffolk-based refugees on Saturday (26th September) for a time of conversations, children’s activities, walking and a shared lunch.
Working with the charity Suffolk Refugee Support, dozens of members of Hadleigh United Reformed Church and Hadleigh Baptist Church came together under the title of The Great Big Hadleigh Welcome to host 15 refugees to the former’s campus, just off the town’s Market Place.
A formal civic greeting was provided by the Mayor of Hadleigh, Cllr. Zunaid Saiyid who thereafter joined the dozens of church volunteers in listening to some of the refugee guests talk about their experiences and their hopes for themselves and their families, whilst others laid on fun games for the children who had came over from Ipswich.
The guests participated in a guided walk along the River Brett, taking in views of the beautiful countryside around Hadleigh and spending a happy (and noisy) time at the Corks Lane play area.
Both guests and volunteers then enjoyed a cooked meal and the chance for further chats together, before the refugees returned to Ipswich carrying gift bags with small toys for the children and toiletries and local honey for the adults donated by the churches. The organisers of the event are very grateful to the Hadleigh Sea Scouts for supplying both their minibus and a volunteer driver to provide the necessary transport.
Paul Simon, an elder at Hadleigh United Reformed Church, said: “The Great Big Hadleigh Welcome was a wonderful time where previous strangers from different backgrounds came together as friends. In the Gospels, Jesus listened to, walked with and ate alongside people from all backgrounds. It was a privilege to be able to follow His example. We hope our guests will take with them happy memories of Hadleigh, wherever they end up.”
Cllr. Zunaid Saiyed reflected: “It was a privilege to welcome our guests to Hadleigh and to see so many people giving their time to make the day special. Small acts of kindness and hospitality can make a real difference, and I hope everyone who joined us leaves with happy memories, new friendships, and a sense that they are warmly welcomed in our community.”
Pastor Chris Todd from Hadleigh Baptist Church, said: “It was a real joy to welcome our guests to Hadleigh. So much of the conversation around refugees can become about perceptions or politics, but today was simply about people meeting people and learning more about one another’s stories and lives. I hope our guests felt something of the warmth and welcome of our town, and that we all went home with a greater appreciation and understanding of one another.”
Ash El Husseiny from Suffolk Refugee Support, added: “It was wonderful to see people from different backgrounds come together to share stories, build connections and enjoy time together. Regardless of our race, religion or culture, we are all human beings, and days like this remind us how much we have in common. The kindness, hospitality and generosity shown by the people of Hadleigh has been truly remarkable, and I know the families who joined us will not forget the warm welcome they received. Events like this help create a sense of belonging, strengthen community ties, and remind us of the value of friendship, understanding and compassion. May God bless everyone who opened their hearts and welcomed our guests, just as they have been a blessing to the families who joined us.”
