On 23rd Nov, an event was held at Hurley House Resource Centre, Leeds to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Refugee Convention and of Refugee Council. The event was well attended by organisations from throughout the region. We showed two short films, including the Refugee Council 60th anniversary film and had speeches from Tesfamhret Tsegazghi (advisor with Gateway Sheffield) and Dave Brown (from Migration Yorkshire).

Then everybody moved upstairs for an amazing performance from a Burundian drumming group which was energetic and entertaining. After the performance, everybody moved back downstairs for the cutting of the 60th anniversary cake.

Then the ‘Refugee of the Year’ awards were held. This award is organised annually by Migration Yorkshire. The winner was Beatrice Botomani. Her award was presented by last year’s winner Mariam Tola Williams and both gave very moving speeches. Then an award was presented for dedication and commitment to Beryl Tierney for 10 years volunteering with the Leeds office. After the awards, there was tea and cake for all before the close of the event. All together, it was a great event!