Malmesbury Links to Ukraine City.
Malmesbury Town Council has signed an official friendship agreement with the Ukrainian city of Cherkasy. Its aim to cement a growing relationship of support and mutual respect.
Malmesbury mayor, Cllr Phil Exton, signed the formal agreement in an online ceremony at the Town Hall on August 23. That being the eve of Ukrainian Independence Day. Signing it with him was Cherkasy mayor Anatoli Bondarenko.
Witnessing the event were special guest including:
- Deputy Lieutenant of Wiltshire Angus Macpherson MBE
- Cllr Gavin Grant, Malmesbury Stands With Ukraine support group convenor
- Julia Bowen Malmesbury & District Twinning Association chair
- Reverend Oliver Ross of Malmesbury Abbey and …
- … Great Somerford residents Natasha and Brendon Ball. Natasha comes from Cherkasy and was translator for the ceremony. Both are active members of the support group.
A bond formed
Thus we’re delighted to create a more formal friendship agreement with this city community.
Cllr Exton said: ‘Our bond with Ukraine in general and Cherkasy in particular has grown since the war began two and a half years ago. Thus we’re delighted to create a more formal friendship agreement with this city community.
It’s our hope to strengthen those ties and offer support to our friends in Cherkasy as they continue to deal with the terrible effects of this illegal war.’
Malmesbury has shown itself to be supportive of Ukraine since the Russian invasion. There’s been two midsummer festivals and festive services in Malmesbury Abbey. Further the town has fundraised through cake sales and quizzes. And have donated more than £20,000 to support the city’s main hospital.
Mayor Anatoli Bondarenko said: ‘Such support is more than words. It’s concrete actions that inspire and unite. Especially today, when Ukraine fights not only for its freedom, but for the freedom of all Europe.
Following the official signing, on Ukraine’s Independence Day (August 24) a civic reception took place at Malmesbury Town Hall. All to show continued to support to Cherkasy and all Ukrainian people.
Malmesbury local support group invites all local hosts and Ukrainian guests to join its Facebook group Malmesbury Stands With Ukraine to keep in touch with local events.
Cherkasy
Cherkasy is a city of around 260,000 people which sits around 120 miles south of the capital of Kyiv. It’s on the banks of the Dnieper River and its history dates back to around 1200 -but could be further.
As a PS, I will mention that of course our very own Swindon supports Ukraine. Check out Swindon Welcomes Ukraine: https://www.facebook.com/snwelcomesukraine
See also the group’s website here.
Just a week or so back I attended the fab Ukraine fest in our lovely Town Gardens.
