Remembrance Day held special significance this year.
Following the Chepstow Service, Rotary Club President, Paul Durant, and Rotarians Stacey Thornhill and Guy Wilson visited the Ukrainian Community Hub at the St Briavels Assembly Rooms.
As a direct result of these displaced persons coming to our area The Hub was established in May 2022. Few realise that there are a considerable number of Ukrainian refugee families living amongst us right now.
They are mostly women and young children escaping to safety while their husbands & fathers are left behind to fight for their country. “It is thought provoking to think, as we recently remembered those lost in two World wars, that people are once again dying in a war in Europe, especially in the lead up to Christmas”, said Rotarian Guy.
The Community Hub provides a safe place for the Ukraine families to come and spend quality time together as a community.
All Ukraine residents from across the region are welcome to join for networking, mutual support & friendship.
It provides free Wifi, computer access, a cinema screen, soft play mats, toys & books for the children and all in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere as well as arranging occasional day trips.
“This Hub is not merely a Sunday lunch Club, said Karen Cockfield, a driving force behind The Hub, “The first time we opened for our complimentary Sunday buffet we catered for 30, not knowing how many might attend. Yet 110 turned up!”
Between 40 and 150 people attend on a Sunday travelling from all over the area. For many of them it provides with a once-weekly opportunity to speak in their native language to others in similar situations.
To pass on advice and learn about friends and family who are still in Ukraine. It is especially important for the young children to see their friends and chat together. They need computer access for job applications and e-learning for the children whom they support from generous donations.”
Volunteers also help the Ukrainians with advice on jobs, housing, education, schooling, medical matters while providing clothing for those that need it.
They also arrange crucial transport that is essential in this very rural area. Ukrainian language lessons have now started for local people while the Ukrainians are taught English.
