Our towns stand with Ukraine
On 24th February 2022, Russia escalated the war in Ukraine and launched a full scale invasion. This act of aggression forced millions to flee their homes, and in some cases their country.
On 14th March 2022, the UK government responded and the Homes for Ukraine scheme began. Within a week the first Ukrainian guests arrived in North Dorset, reaching the safety they and their families desperately needed.
Many of those guests are still in the towns and villages of South Wiltshire and North Dorset, and are part of the communities that took them to their hearts.
The war and its progress is a constant thought for Ukrainians in our area because, in all cases, it involves their loved ones and their future life in Ukraine. They appreciate the support they have been offered here and, for their continuing well-being, it was important to show that the support of the community continues on this important second anniversary.
Sara, Stephen and Nicola, three of our Trustees attended the ceremony in Shaftesbury and this is Sara’s account of the moving ceremony there.
“Shaftesbury Stands with Ukraine
At least it wasn’t raining as about 60 of us gathered by the Shaftesbury War Memorial on Park Walk to remember those who have been killed in Ukraine since the Russian invasion and those who live in daily fear of the future. We stood, locals and Ukrainians who have become locals, longing for the war to end and for Ukraine to be at peace.
The Mayor welcomed us and introduced the Revd Helen Williams who had hosted a Ukrainian family when she lived in Wareham. They had messaged her that morning and she shared their thoughts before we stood in silence wrapped in our individual feelings with the Ukrainian flag flying over the Town Hall.
Kateryna, mother of two boys, spoke from her heart about the last two years, about leaving her home and family, but having found another family in our community where welcomes had been warm, friendly and very genuine.
Placards were held up by those present and very powerful were the messages.
Helen offered prayers and then the Ukrainian National Anthem was sung. This was a totally appropriate and emotionally charged moment.
After the formal gathering, friends greeted each other, Ukrainians who have moved into their own accommodation spent time with their hosts, now their friends.
Later, posted on the Ukrainians in Shaftesbury What’s App group was this message:
‘God, you are incredible!!!
Thank you everyone who participated in this promotion!!! Thanks to everyone who helped to organise this meeting. Thank you to everyone who could not be present, but mentally joined the event and supported it with their energy.
Thanks to Shaftesbury Refugee Group and local Council for their support.’”
The Mayor of Shaftesbury, Virginia Edwyn-Jones, Ukrainian guests, the Revd. Helen Willis and Trustee Sara Jacson.
Alfred Radio reporter Anne Philpott was present to make this very beautiful report. Click on the picture to link from 4.14.
Alfred’s Anne Philpott with Kateryna
Gillingham Stands with Ukraine
Trustee Carolyn Godfrey joined local people and Ukrainians at the Memorial in Gillingham.
The wet weather did not dampen the spirit of defiance against the war nor soften the pain of loss of homeland, safety and fear for loved ones.
Blandford Stands with Ukraine
Towns across Dorset took part in commemorating the tragic escalation of the war. Some of our friends in Blandford gathered in the market square to remember those lost and those still at risk.
24th February 2022 was a tragic day for Ukraine and for Europe.
On this date in 2024, our towns showed solidarity with Ukraine in an important act of remembrance for those who have died or been wounded in its defence and in a small way we showed local Ukrainians that they have a continuing refuge here, with lots of local support.
