Our events raise much-needed funds and raise awareness of our work and the plight of asylum seekers. They include concerts, sponsored walks, talks, cake sales, a bridge afternoon and film nights.
Past Events
China by the Back Door: A Journey through Central Asia – a talk by our patron John Pilkington on Wednesday 8 March 2023. Starting by the Aral Sea, John passed through the legendary cities of Bukhara and Samarkand, before crossing the Pamirs to Kyrgyzstan’s old silk-producing heartland. He made it through to Kashgar, and explored the previously off-limits Taklamakan Desert. A quick look at the Jiayuguan gate on the Great Wall, finishing in Ürümqi which has been transformed from sprawling hovels into a modern Chinese city. These are the lands of the Uyghur people, whose lives and culture have been torn apart.
CAR BOOT SALE Sunday 1 May 2022
NEW YEAR CONCERT 7.30 pm Saturday 12th February 2022 – Sacred music and English pastoral part songs presented by the Conchord Singers. Musical Director: Craig Lawton Accompanist: Chris Bluemel. www.conchordsingers.co.uk @ConchordSingers
An Englishman in Patagonia
A classic talk from John’s early exploring days – 23rd January 2020
Thursday 23rd January 2020
Patagonia – it’s the stuff of dreams. Back in the 1990s John spent three seasons exploring this southernmost part of South America, including Tierra del Fuego. The trip gave him scope for some stunning photography. He walked among glaciers, met gauchos (Patagonian cowboys), and took tea with the tiny but persistent Welsh community – still fiercely independent after more than 150 years.
He’ll tell us about the sheep farming pioneers who, early in the 20th century, made their homes in the teeth of the Roaring Forties and Furious Fifties. He’ll play clips of them describing dangerous sea journeys, and their efforts to set down roots against almost impossible odds. He’ll explain Patagonia’s current battles with climate change and volcanic fallout. And some of us may be surprised to hear what happened to two of its most notorious early settlers – Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.
Dina Nayeri: ‘The Ungrateful Refugee’
Dina was just a child when she fled Iran. As she settled into life in the US and then Europe, she became suspicious of the idea that refugees should shed their old identities and be eternally thankful.
Dina has just published a book called “The Ungrateful Refugee.”
To Eritrea and Ethiopia with John Pilkington: Retracing a Victorian Expedition
Thursday 24th January 2019
All proceeds go towards supporting our work to help refugees and asylum seekers in the community and beyond.
Beauty for Ashes – exhibition runs till the 24 February 2019
Susan learned the traditional crafts of beadwork and stitching from her grandmother in Uganda but her ambition to become an artist was thwarted when persecution forced her to flee the country. She says that SWVG supported her during some of the darkest moments of her life and helped her recover the ability to create.
‘Beauty for Ashes’ shows the stages of entrapment, despair and crying for help. “It describes a transition of my journey from being in bondage, seeking help to be set free but not finding it. Finding the courage to flee with nothing, torn between leaving those that I love so dearly like my life and making a decision to set myself free through pain, so those I love so dearly could be set free. Vibrant busting with colours represent my African heritage that always gives me joy and courage to go on in spite of all that comes my way.”
The exhibition runs till the 24 February 2019.
Fundraising Dinner for Members, Friends and Supporters of Southampton and Winchester Visitors Group
Rimjhim Indian Restaurant, 1 -3 City Road, Winchester SO23 8SD
Thursday 30th November 2018 from 7pm
Alan Titchmarsh: “Prose, Poetry and Stories, and a bit of Gardening” followed by Q & A
Monday 13th November 2017, 7pm
Ticket price includes a glass of wine or soft drink and chance to meet Alan during the interval. All profits go to SWVG, to help support asylum seekers and refugees locally.