Ukrainian refugees living in Dorset were treated to an evening of fun and dance to celebrate six months in the UK.
Volunteers from Radipole churches worked hard to provide a fun evening for 160 Ukrainian refugees living in South Dorset and their host families at St Aldhelm’s Church Centre in Weymouth.
It celebrated the families’ six months in the UK and gave them a chance to relax and interact.
The evening included live music and dancing to the Omega Project, loads of great food and drink, games, activities, puzzles, treasure hunts and much more.
Organiser Andy Dukes said, “We were very happy for the Ukrainians to see the wider support that is held for them in our community. I was pleased to see how much the children enjoyed themselves but, particularly, to see how the teenagers were able to find a quiet space and interact so happily together.
“Although we aspired to take the Ukrainians’ thoughts away from the abomination and tragedy that is happening in their homeland, the evening actually also celebrated the ongoing military success by Ukrainian forces – especially in the liberation of Kherson.
"These wonderful Ukrainian people know how to enjoy themselves, and are amazing dancers."
Ukrainian Maryna Dovbysh, co-organiser of the Weymouth area Ukrainian community, said: “Weymouth has shown us an especially warm welcome since the war started.
"We left our homes, it is difficult, but we have found new friends. It has been more than six months since we arrived here, though now most of us have jobs and are busy, so we don’t meet up very often.
"That is why it is so important to meet together, hear our native language and have some fun together without thinking about problems.
“The event organised by Nick, Andy and the other volunteers was great. Amazing live music, and tasty food. They even found Ukrainian beer.
"Kids had fun all together as well as adults. It is so kind, not only to help us with temporary homes but also to do good things like this for us.
“Ukrainians are very hospitable people too so we hope to make our Ukrainian Christmas party as warm and happy as this one and will be happy to see our friends who really have become our family.”
The evening was inspired by the work of Radipole and Melcombe Regis Team Rector Canon Nick Clarke, who wanted to help the large number of Ukrainian refugee families currently living locally.
The evening was free to all who attended as a result of the Rector's sponsored cycle ride.
Mr Duke added: “Many people were involved, but special thanks go to: the wonderful and tireless team of volunteers from Radipole Churches giving their time and energy preparing and serving food, running activities, and logistics; Gail Reynolds – this incredible and vivacious lady who coordinates the ‘Weymouth for Ukraine’ Group, giving so much time and energy to great benefit of Ukrainian refugee families; the brilliant Omega Project Band playing superb music at no fee; the Royal Oak Pub on Dorchester Road, Weymouth for donating drinks; and Morrisons supermarket in Weymouth for their generous donation of food.”
“We are now exploring the possibility of hosting an event with a mix of traditional Ukrainian and British Christmas food and activities, possibly at Ukrainian Christmastime (early January), what we may know as Twelfth Night. This time, however, the Ukrainians themselves plan to play a much larger role in food preparation and running activities.”
If you would like to help with this, please contact Andy Dukes at andybraces@aol.com.
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