On Saturday 7th October 2023 we took a group of 25 asylum seekers, 2 town councillors and volunteers from the city centre on a 5 km walk along the River Aire towpath to Thwaite Mills for a picnic.
The route took us from the Corn Exchange via Brewery Wharf, the Royal Armouries Museum, Clarence Dock Village, the pub: Piglove by the river, Hunslet Mill now converted into luxury apartments, further down river where the Leeds flood Alleviation Scheme has been implemented and passed the Stourton Stone Circle.
Some guests travelled with another volunteer by bus to meet us there. A third volunteer delivered the picnic. As an added bonus, on the day, there were boating activities on the river at Thwaite Mills. The sun shone and it was a perfect day.
So many of our guests endure days of gloom and despair when there is little, if anything, one can do to alleviate their suffering and anguish. Now they can be reminded of a wonderful enchanted sunny day with the knowledge that there are always glimmers of joy.
Those who came had fled: Hong Kong, Iraq, Kurdistan, Pakistan, Egypt and Libya.
We visited the Victorian mill owner’s house and watermill after the picnic. The teenagers who’d attended school in England were very excited that on the mantelpiece in the mill owner’s house was a mug commemorating Edward VIII and a framed photo on the wall of our late Queen’s father, George VI. They knew the history of that era and with delight were able to regale it.
The guest from Egypt, with great excitement delighted that back in his hometown, they still operate the same style/vintage of watermill as that of Thwaite Mills.
A magical, uplifting time was enjoyed by all.
