AT a meeting in Crediton next week, leaflets will be given out to those who attend in which they can pledge support for refugees in a variety of ways eg befriending, offering accommodation, etc.

The meeting will take place on Wednesday, April 27, at 7.30pm in the drama hall at QE School’s Western Road campus.

This will be a follow up to the meeting held in November last year, which was attended by more than 120 people. It will be chaired by the principal of QE, Rupert Poole.

The meeting, to which all are invited, will hear from Flowa (Mary Houldsworth) who has worked with "Medecins sans Frontieres" and other overseas organisations.

Recently she worked in Lesbos, Samos and also in Calais, helping support refugees there.

Previously she gave a talk in Crediton about her work in an ebola camp in Liberia.

Other local people will also give those attending a flavour of the work they are doing in different refugee camps.

Gerald Conyngham, convenor of the Welcoming Refugees Group, said that those attending will also hear about ways in which Crediton can act as host to a small number of Syrian families, from the group which the government are committed to allowing entry into the UK.

He added: "This could happen in one of two ways, either through Mid Devon District Council agreeing to act as a sponsoring local authority, alongside Exeter and Plymouth; or by setting up a community-based sponsorship scheme.

"Both will be described in more detail at the meeting."

He added: "Crediton Town Council has pledged its support for the Welcoming Refugees Group but we need to show that there is widespread support in the town, in keeping with Crediton’s best tradition of offering hospitality to those in need.

"For example, at the start of the First World War, Crediton offered a home to many Belgian refugees fleeing the German Army."

Forms to pledge support in various ways such as helping people learn English will be available at the meeting.

Mr Conyngham concluded: "Do please come and see how you can play your part."

For more information, please contact Gerald on 07795 151552 or email: [email protected] .

Alan Quick