CREDITON Congregational Church hosted the launch of the book ‘Welcome In’, a beautifully illustrated book of stories and memories written by refugees and friends in Crediton, on Monday, July 6.

The book emerged from a series of creative writing workshops led by Fiona Macbeth last year.

Local people had heard of a book created by refugees living in the Netherlands and the idea to make a book featuring those now in the Crediton area was born.

Gerald Conyngham, from Crediton, explained: “The focus was on the moments and memories that seem small but are part of the fabric of a life that makes us who we are. “The resulting stories are personal, anecdotal and relatable. The book begins and ends with collaborative poems that express where we have come from and where we are now.

“On Monday evening, a selection of contributors read from the book, sharing their words and bringing emotion and meaning to what they had written.

“Some of the stories spoke of loss or gratitude, some were descriptions of those small moments that make up a life.

“We heard a funny story about a child who cut off her hair to make a wig for her doll, a wise story from someone who had forced herself to wear some coveted red shoes as a child despite the pain they caused her.

“We listened to a child reading of her love of football and the first match she played here, and heard the break in a voice as someone spoke of warmth and support and the power and presence of the sea. And this was just a taster of what the book has within its pages!

“We watched a short message on a screen, sent to us by Kateryna, who designed and illustrated the book.

“She has returned to her home in Ukraine but remains connected to the group and the friends she made here. The audience was moved by the speakers and showed their appreciated with heartfelt applause.”

The readings were followed by a short concert from the Ukrainian choir led by James Cookson.

Gerald added: “The songs were passionate and emotional and sung with power and beauty. One of the songs was in praise of Kiev, and a choir member told us what a beautiful city Kiev is and urged us to one day visit.

“Although many of us there didn’t understand the words of the songs, the meaning communicated, and we were moved to receive the love of Kiev that the singers carried to us.

“The choir ended with Yesterday – sung in English - and we all joined in. A wonderful ending to the concert.

“Everyone present was invited to share wine, cake and drinks acknowledging the supportive community that’s grown through Welcoming Refugees in Crediton, and also the community that came together on that Monday evening to launch the book. “

Welcome In is available for sale for £5 at The Bookery, 21 High Street, Crediton.

Gerald concluded: “Do go and get yourself a copy.”