CREDITON and District U3A welcomed Mary “Flowa” Houldsworth to its July meeting at the Boniface Centre.

Using overhead projection to illustrate, she spoke about her experiences working with refugees -  mothers, babies, children and elderly women and men -  who arrive at coastal towns in the mediterranean, exhausted and wet after dangerous journeys in overcrowded boats.

Medicins Sans Frontiers is a non political charitable organisation, who work with other non-governmental agencies to preserve life, and help with medical needs of people wherever they can.

Jane Innes, from Crediton U3A, said: “The audience were visibly moved by her stories of people and their stoicism in extreme circumstances.  A total of £205 was donated to MSF and Mary thanked members for their generosity.

“Gerald Conyngham of Crediton Welcomes Refugees group also spoke - about what is happening locally - and how it is hoped to welcome some refugees to Crediton and support them  in housing, education and befriending, via a Central Government funded scheme to local councils.

“We finished off the morning by enjoying a shared lunch that had been brought by the members, and there was much discussion generated by the topic of the day.”

Guest speaker at the August 17 meeting will be the Rt Rev Dame Sarah Mullally, the Bishop of Crediton, who will talk about Health and Spirituality.

Alan Quick