West Country to mark two years of Ukrainian war
Communities will be coming together to mark 24 months this weekend since the start of the conflict
Communities across the West Country will be coming together this weekend - as we approach the second anniversary of the start of the Ukrainian war.
In Bath, Pulteney Bridge has been lit up in blue and yellow as part of a national campaign to raise awareness.
The local authority have praised how people in Bath and North East Somerset have welcomed Ukrainian guests fleeing the conflict.
B&NES Council have published a series of short films, all of which celebrate the Ukrainian guests who have moved to the region, capturing their experiences of finding sanctuary in the area.
They'll also be marking two years of the Homes for Ukraine scheme, which has so far seen more than 380 guests matched with more than 200 hosts across Bath and North East Somerset alone.
The second anniversary of the war on Saturday, February 24 is being marked nationally by the Government’s #SlavaUkraini campaign to remind people of the impact of the war on Ukrainians.
Bath Abbey will hold a Lunchtime Recital tomorrow (24 February) featuring Ukrainian composer and pianist Mariia Yaremak, Ukrainian singer Nicole Media, local violinist Michael Robb and the Ukrainian Choir Harmony. Free tickets can be booked here or just turn up.
Kateryna, who came to Bath from Ukraine, said to her host Rosemary: “What does it mean to be in a safe country? It means life…We have lived together one year and you are our godmother here.”
Richard, who hosted Tetiana, said: “The major reason why we wanted to take someone in was, “let’s do something”! My wife and I can do this because we’re very lucky and we’re very privileged - we felt this is an appalling situation that Ukraine are in and we’re someone who can help.”
Councillor David Wood, Deputy Leader and cabinet member for Council Priorities & Delivery, said: “These impactful films are remarkable reflections of how the people of Bath and North East Somerset have welcomed Ukrainian guests with open arms and supported them to find sanctuary in a safe place.
“Two years on from the Russian invasion as the war in Ukraine continues, there are still Ukrainian people in need of a safe place to stay. We encourage residents to consider whether they could open their homes as hosts. Our Homes for Ukraine scheme also welcomes offers of rental properties to help displaced people settle into a new life.”
In Taunton, the Town Council will be lighting up The Market House in blue and yellow.
The town has welcomed several families since the start of the violence, which since became a Town of Sanctuary back in September 2023.
They did that to acknowledge the contribution of refugees and people seeking sanctuary to the town of Taunton.
Leader of Taunton Town Council, Councillor Tom Deakin said “From the onset of this conflict, residents of Taunton have taken the people of Ukraine to their hearts, from organising aid convoys to supporting and taking in refugees fleeing their beloved home country.
"It is right that we pause to reflect on everything that has happened over the past two years, and we are fortunate to be able to provide a visual focus for this by lighting up such a central building.”
The lights on the Market House were installed at the end of November and formed part of the Christmas illuminations in 2023.
The colour can be changed remotely, allowing us to mark important occasions like this throughout the year, for no additional cost to the Town Council.
Homes for Ukraine
Find out more about the Homes for Ukraine scheme, you can visit your local authority website:
Bath and North East Somerset Council%20is,East%20Somerset%20through%20the%20scheme.)