A LONG term Craven supporter of an immigration and asylum support network was one of two of the organisation's volunteers to attend a damp royal garden party at Buckingham Palace.

Richard Hargreaves, an English teaching volunteer with the Bradford Immigration and Asylum Support and Advice Network (BIASAN) from Hawkswick, was one of two of the organisation's supporters to attend the garden party in recognition of it receiving a Queen's Award for Voluntary Service in the Community for 2020/21.

The prestigious award is the highest award given to voluntary groups in the UK, is awarded for life and is seen as the equivalent of an MBE. Mr Hargreaves and Ahlam Dukhhani, a refugee from Iraq but now a full British citizen and active BIASAN volunteer, were the two out of the 80 volunteers chosen to attend the garden party.

They travelled to London by train and despite a delayed journey, fitted in a visit to Trafalgar Square, lunch in the crypt of St Martin's in the Field, and a whirlwind tour of the National Gallery before heading off the evening garden party.

Mr Hargreaves, a volunteer for more than 20 years, said: "It rained heavily or lightly all afternoon, a day for umbrellas up and varied rain gear from plastic macs to mountain jackets among the 8,000 guests and the Royal Party of Prince Charles, the Duchess of Cornwall, Princess Anne, the Duke of Kent and Prince Michael.

"There was no chance of squeezing through the massed ranks of people to get close to any of the Royal Party, to shake hands with them and hopefully enlighten them on how BIASAN tries to help asylum seekers and refugees in the government’s increasingly hostile attitude towards them.

"The enormously long tea tent with a highly efficient team serving welcome hot tea and deliciously nourishing food was a more tempting diversion. We did however catch sight of Camilla in an attractive blue outfit and Ahlam reckoned she caught a glimpse of Prince Charles."

He added: "It felt important and enjoyable to be representing BIASAN in the company of so many people from many different walks of life, countries, caring organisations and people of goodwill."

The organisation, which has no paid staff or office, provides lively friendship and a wide range of practical support and help, including regular English lessons, weekly meetings for women and children, a store to receive and distribute donated household items and clothes, and gym sessions for health and fitness.

In 2019, it celebrated its 20 anniversary. It has strong links with refugee support groups in Skipton and Upper Wharfedale.