Asylum party (From Penarth Times)

Asylum party

ON EASTER Sunday, I attended a remarkable birthday party. Family and friends were there - nothing remarkable about that - but what made this an extraordinary occasion was that the person whose party this was had also invited 18 people who are seeking asylum in our country. The 12 adults and six children who are from Kazakstan, Kosovo and Cameroon, are living in the Cardiff area.

It was a joy to be part of the celebration, not least because of the ways in which the people from other cultures expressed themselves.

Songs were sung and dances were danced with exuberance and talent. And the singers in a small Welsh choir responded in kind. This was humanity at its best, expressing solidarity and mutual respect.

The income of an asylum seeker consists of vouchers for food and other essentials, equivalent to about 80 percent of the UK Income Support rate but that did not stop them bringing gifts, including a painting of daffodils by one of the women, flowers and pictures by the children.

But most of all, they brought themselves and I was left with the clear feeling that if their application for asylum is rejected, the loss will be ours. I have been to many memorable parties, but this one was the best.

I learned once again the lesson that the stranger is the friend who we have not yet met.

The person whose party this was would, I know, want to remain anonymous. But I ask that through your columns you will enable others to know about this simple but very moving example, of reaching out to a much maligned category of people in need, many of whom have been through what are literally unspeakable experiences.

Phil Kingston St Luke's Avenue Penarth