By Ibrahim Zain Congy (Abu-Zain)
South West England branch member Abu-Zain, from Chad, reports from the Devon village of Chagford where refugees from Bristol spent a week in June., The Chagford Hospitality Network has been opening its doors since 2018 through a link with the Bristol Hospitality Network.
We had a wonderful opportunity to spend a holiday in the beautiful English countryside of Chagford. We were a group of 14 refugees from eight countries in Africa, Asia and the Middle East supported by three members of the Bristol Hospitality Network.
For an entire week, the kind-hearted people of Chagford welcomed us with extraordinary warmth and generosity. They hosted us in their homes and surrounded us with genuine hospitality, kindness, gentleness, care, and a true sense of belonging. Before they opened their homes to us, they opened their hearts.
We explored the breathtaking landscapes of Dartmoor National Park, walking through beautiful moorland and farmland. We wandered through landscapes rich in Bronze Age history, visited Kestor Rock, reached the ancient Scorhill Stone Circle, and admired the famous wild Dartmoor ponies. We also visited the stunning coastal town of Teignmouth, with its charming promenade and long, sandy beach.
During the week we joined singing with a local choir, were taught to dance some traditional May Day dances and had a chance to practice yoga. We visited an organic community farm. We ate with the people of Chagford every day and shared cookies, cakes and sandwiches on our trips.
The compassion, friendship, and respect shown to us touched our hearts deeply. We believe this experience represents the very best of English culture and traditions—welcoming others with openness, generosity, kindness, tolerance, unity, and harmony.
Our sincere thanks go to everyone at the Bristol Hospitality Network and the Chagford Hospitality Network, and especially to the families and volunteers of Chagford who made this holiday so special. Your kindness has given us hope, joy, and memories that that we will cherish forever. We will never forget your generosity.
Malal Khani Safi, who took the photographs, agrees. “I really enjoyed my holiday. These people’s love and kindness are beyond anything words can describe.”
Amy Chapero one of the members of the Bristol Hospitality Network who supported the group said: “I have come back from Chagford with such a full heart. We were really scooped up by the community there, and the feeling I got from seeing our BHN guests really relax and have a break from Bristol was something that is hard to put into words. Everyone brought the best energy and we at BHN feel so grateful to be part of it.”
By Ibrahim Zain Congy (Abu-Zain)
Photos by Malal Khani Safi