KNIGHTON and District Refugee support group would like to say well done to Powys County Council on its readiness to welcome Syrian refugees into the county. Powys is ahead of other nearby councils in this respect and will be using government money (not its own depleted resources) to provide for the refugees.
In the mean time, KDRSG is collecting materials to help relieve the thousands of people who have fled violence, drought and hunger and are now camped in awful conditions at Calais and Dunkirk on the French coast. We are appealing for tents, blankets, sleeping bags, ground sheets/tarpaulins, fleeces, boots/wellies (sizes 41, 42 and 43), socks, waterproof coats and jackets, leggings and jogging bottoms. If readers have any of these items to spare please bring them to St Edward’s church hall, Knighton  on Thursday, February 18 between 9.30am and 6.30pm or on Friday, February 19, from 2pm-5.
Donations of money, including Euros will also be welcome. Volunteers who take the goods to Calais will use this to buy other items that they find are needed when they get there, eg torches.
JAMIE RITCHIE
On behalf of the Knighton and District Refugee Support Group.