Rhondda Cynon Taf Mayor, Cllr Sylvia Jones, hosted a group of international visitors at the Mayor’s Parlour.
Delegates from the UNA Exchange, from all around the world, enjoyed a wonderful afternoon in the company of Rhondda Cynon Taf’s First Citizen.
Organised by Rhondda Cynon Taf Council, it was a special “thank-you” to the visitors who have spent a month working in the South Wales Valleys, particularly at Penrhys, in the heart of the Rhondda Valley.
The international volunteers helped set up a play scheme in the area and arranged activities to support the play workers, offering an informal place for children to go along and try different activities and express their creativity.
Rhondda Cynon Taf Mayor, Clllr Sylvia Jones, said: “The UNA Exchange volunteers worked on arts and crafts activities as well as environmental projects and music workshops.
“They were warmly welcomed into the community and brought an intercultural element to activities, offering local people a chance to learn about different cultures and places.
“Since taking office earlier this year, I have met many volunteers from numerous countries who have been working with young people throughout Rhondda Cynon Taf and I would like to thank them all for the work they have done with our young people.”
Penrhys, the highest village in Wales at 1,100 feet above sea level, was built in the 1960s, providing the largest public sector housing in Wales at the time, boasting 951 homes.
The statue of Our Lady of Penrhys dominates the skyline, marking the site of an ancient chapel. The shrine of the Virgin Mary at Penrhys was one of the most important in South Wales. It was the focus of intense piety and prayer prior to its destruction at the command of Henry VIII in 1538.
The mediaeval holy well, to which many miracles have been attributed, still survives and is found by walking down the narrow path near to the present day site of the statue, which was erected on July 2, 1953.
The UNA Exchange is a Cardiff based charity which supports people to volunteer in more than 60 countries worldwide, has around 1,500 projects to chose from around the globe.
To find out more about the work of the Exchange visit http://www.unaexchange.org/www.unaexchange.org
