Eighty years ago, 4,000 children were evacuated from Bilbao to the UK following the bombing in Guernica during the Spanish civil war. Homes known as colonies were set up for refugees, including four in Wales, one of which was in Cambria House in Caerleon, where 56 children arrived on 10 July, 1937. It turned out to be one of the most successful in the UK. It was a time of high unemployment and poverty, but the people of Caerleon welcomed the children with open arms. Everyone was involved in fundraising, from the South Wales Miners’ Federation, local volunteers, to the children themselves. They formed a formidable Basque football team, produced their own bilingual newspaper and helped raise money through traditional Basque dances and songs. Children were encouraged by the warden of the house, Mrs Maria Fernandez, to play, learn and socialise with others in the village. Mrs Fernandez was loved and respected by all, and she kept in touch with almost all of the children until she died in 2001, aged 97. Local councillor, Gail Giles, recently stated, it was a wonderful example of the exceptional courage, struggle and determination in Wales to help the innocent victims of war, and the kindness to those in need.’

A day of celebration is taking place on Monday at Caerleon Arts Festival. We must never forget our proud history of solidarity and generosity to young refugees fleeing violence 80 years ago.