I am glad to read the report describing the welcome offered by the people of Ulverston to a group of refugees (Gazette, March 2, ‘Refugees are welcome here’).

There will be many who remember how the people of Kendal and District responded to the initiative of the owner of a small restaurant that Kendal folk should offer shelter to refugees from the Balkan wars.

The details are not clear in my mind but I do recall getting permission by ‘phone to use the shell of a former OAP hostel as a base.

We took seven days to repair the heating system and supply furniture for a busload of refugees. I was asked to collect the furniture and equipment and install it in a recently abandoned shop.

Using my knowledge of recently retired teachers and current school staff, I was able to collect volunteers to clean and refresh the premises and supply a bed, fresh linen and cutlery equipment for 30 individuals.

Small businesses offered free use of a van and driver for most of the week. Radio Cumbria announced an appeal for banks to offer collection points to raise funds and ask households to lend beds and furniture for unknown periods.

By splitting our requirements into small units we were able to have a clean warm home with fresh flowers in each room with cooking equipment, crockery and carpets by the time the busload of weary travellers arrived after six or seven days travelling across Europe.

Given a group of well-known public figures there is potential for quick planning to marshal the generosity of small businesses and voluntary organisations so that a party of refugees can find peace, comfort and shelter in our community.

I am sure that such an effort by small market towns across Britain would make a significant contribution to help the many refugees now in Europe.

Guy K Greenwood

Troutbeck Bridge