A SERIES of events will take place in Malmesbury over the weekend to mark the second anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Various displays of solidarity have been organised by the Malmesbury Stands with Ukraine group who have pledged their commitment to continue to raise awareness about the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. 

The group was set up mother and daughter Natasha Ball and Katya Manamsa in February 2022, who moved to the town from Cherkasy in Ukraine.
  
They have organised a variety of fundraising events over the last two years which have raised more than £16,000 for medical equipment and supplies for Cherkasy General Hospital.

On Saturday morning, February 24 the Ukrainian flag will be raised at Malmesbury Town Hall and a fundraising coffee morning will begin at the United Reformed Church at 10.30am.

In the afternoon a simple vigil will take place at the town's historic Market Cross and Tolsey Gate at 4pm, which will be followed by a special service in Malmesbury Abbey which will commence at 4.30pm. 

The service will be conducted in English and Ukrainian, and attendees will be able to enjoy a selection of tea and cake afterwards.

On Tuesday, February 27 Malmesbury Town councillors will convene at the town hall to vote on a proposed friendship agreement between Malmesbury and Cherkasy which has been put forward by town mayor Gavin Grant.

Some of the town councillors recently had a video call with the mayor of Cherkasy which reiterated the challenges the country is facing. 

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard: Mayor of Cherkasy and officers on a Zoom call to Malmesbury Town CouncilMayor of Cherkasy and officers on a Zoom call to Malmesbury Town Council (Image: Mayor of Cherkasy)

 

Cllr Grant said: "With the terrible conflict in the Middle East and so much else going on, the brutal attack on Ukraine has slipped out of the headlines. 

“The town councillors and I recently had a video call with the mayor of Cherkasy and senior colleagues.

"They had to stop the call as the air raid sirens were sounding and they all needed to go to the bomb shelters. 

"We were all shocked and that brought home the realities of everyday life in Ukraine.

“We cannot physically help their fight for freedom, but we can continue to raise money for Cherkasy General Hospital.

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard: Town councillors and town twinning representatives on the call to Cherkasy mayor and colleagues Town councillors and town twinning representatives on the call to Cherkasy mayor and colleagues (Image: Malmesbury Town Council)

"We can also show our moral support in symbolic actions like a friendship agreement, vigils, flying the Ukrainian flag and bringing our Ukrainian and British friends together in our abbey."