Support for Ukranians

Support for Ukrainians

There are now several Ukrainians living in South Cambs villages: Arrington, Bassingbourn, Great Chishill, Meldreth, Melbourn, Shepreth, Steeple Morden and probably others.

If there are people out there who would like to offer support to these refugees, but are unable to provide accommodation, please get in touch.

They have a need for drivers to take them to appointments, or for trips to Cambridge or other towns for shopping or just to see the sights of the area in which they now live. Please note there would be no financial recompense for this. You would be doing it as a friend.

They are all looking for work, so, if anyone has any opportunities for them, let me know. Some speak better English than others, but even those with little English are keen to earn some money and show their worth. There are some families with children of various ages who are mostly now integrated in local schools (but again, this may not be the nearest school, so there may be transport problems). The Council have kindly made bicycles available for those that want them, which helps with local transport, once they get used to the idea of driving/riding on the left!

If you think you have anything to offer in the way of work or opportunities, please get in touch with me, in the first instance: Jayne Drinkwater, 01763 245255, drinkersj@hotmail.com

Thank you. Let’s show that we are a caring community.

Ukraine Support Group

A local group of volunteers has been set up to provide support for Ukrainian guests and for those who are hosting them.

Having to flee your own home, or sharing your home with someone who has fled a war zone can be very tough and disorienting. The Royston Ukraine Support Group aims to help make things easier for people in both situations.
The group is coordinated by Jim Dalgleish and is supported by Churches Together in Royston and District. Jim says, “we are aware of a small number of households in and around Royston who are already hosting Ukrainian families or are wanting to do so. There are probably others, and we want to do what we can to help and support them all.” The group has collected a list of volunteers who are willing to provide material supplies, help with transport, admin and form-filling or just be a friend and someone to talk to. English conversation sessions are also being offered for Ukrainian guests.

In July the group hosted a free drop-in session in Royston for hosts and guests, and they plan to run more of the same over the coming months. The sessions are an opportunity to meet other people in the same situation as you, to share experiences and to get free advice and help over a drink and a snack. Watch this space and notices at the Library and Town Hall for future dates.

For more information, or to offer your support, please contact Jim: james.dalgleish.t21@btinternet.com

Slavic Festival of Kupala

Ukrainians living in Royston and the surrounding villages were able to join their traditional festival of Kupala this month, thanks to the help of local people. The Rotary Club of Royston arranged for a coach to take a group to the Ukrainian Cultural Centre in Cheshunt, for a day of singing, dancing and celebration. Kupala symbolizes the birth of the summer sun and is a traditional Slavic holiday. It also celebrates the festival of St John the Baptist.

Pictured are some of the party being seen off by Rotary President Peter Mitton (pictured). Peter explained how Rotary had decided to help after a recent presentation by Anna Barnard, of the Association of Ukrainians in GB, when she mentioned that most Ukrainians living in Royston would miss their festival this year. “We immediately decided to fund a coach to send many of them to Cheshunt, where a great time was had by all,” he said.