Eurovision party to mark links between Ukraine and Harrogate district

Links between the UK and Ukraine will be celebrated at Eurovision in Liverpool this week – and the Harrogate district is ensuring it is part of the party.

Just as the UK hosts the event on behalf of last year’s winner, Ukraine, a celebration will be happening in Harrogate to bring together locals with Ukrainians who have made the area home over the last 14 months.

A total of 170 attendees will be watching the contest together at the Majestic Hotel, and while they may be cheering for their home countries, organisers expect it to be a friendly rivalry.

Sue Vasey of Chain Lane Community Hub, which has organised the party along with Harrogate District City of Sanctuary, told the Stray Ferret:

“Nobody will mind if Ukraine win – it’s not too competitive. We’ll just be happy if the UK doesn’t get ‘nul points’!”

The Knaresborough community centre has been supporting Ukrainians who have arrived in the area since Russia’s invasion of their home country last February.

It has worked alongside other local groups and supporters to help them make contact with others in the same position and settle into their new homes. Now, Sue said more is being done to ensure they become part of the community in the Harrogate district.

Aid trips

Around 350 Ukrainians have arrived in the area in the last year, and about 190 of those have been supported through Chain Lane Community Hub. Sue said the others already spoke good English or had family in the area so did not need as much help to settle.

Each week, working with partners including North Yorkshire Council, the hub hosts classes to help people with English, employability skills and more.

It has also formed a link with Bob Frendt, the retired lorry driver in Knaresborough who has made seven aid trips to western Ukraine.

The Eurovision event on Saturday night – which is sold out – will raise money to help fund his next trip to Volodymyr, which is set to be twinned with Knaresborough. it will include an auction of prizes donated by local businesses, from Bettys & Taylors and Morrisons to Mother Shipton’s Cave.

Bob and his wife Maureen will be guests of honour at the Majestic, which has allowed use of the room free of charge.

Asked whether he was a loyal Eurovision fan, Bob said:

“Not since Cliff Richard won! But for one night we’ll make an exception. I’ve been asked to say a few words too. It should be a good night.”

Read more:

Meanwhile, Bob is continuing to prepare for his eighth and final aid trip to Ukraine, setting off on May 24.

Each trip across Europe costs at least £2,500 in insurance, fuel and ferry crossings, and takes around six days.

He has been collecting donations of sports kit, IT equipment and decorating supplies to help the school rebuild after much of its stocks were commandeered by the army.

Bob is still hoping to source at least one old fire engine to take to Volodymyr to replace those taken to be used in the war effort. but for now is concentrating on what he can fit into his lorry, including medical supplies for the hospital..

He is hoping to add more equipment for the school, an under-counter fridge, sleeping bags, wellies, mosquito nets, tinned food and more before he sets off in two weeks’ time. Anyone who can help can call Bob on 07836 514952.

To get the latest updates on Bob’s efforts before and during his trip, and find out how you can support him, join the Facebook group Knaresborough Humanitarian Aid for Ukraine.

A Nidderdale home at last for refugee family

After a number of frustrating hold-ups, Nidderdale Community Welcome (NCW) has finally found a house for a refugee family from Syria.

The group, founded in late 2020, has raised more than £13,000 to fund the initiative and had originally hoped to bring a family here before Christmas.

But the house they had in prospect did not materialise.

Now there is positive news and NCW chair, Peter Wright, told the Stray Ferret:

“A local landlord has kindly agreed the rental of a three-bedroom property in Pateley Bridge for a minimum period of two years.”

With this key element of the resettlement support  programme in place, NCW has submitted its application to the Home Office, uprating from ‘approval in principle’ to ‘final approval.’

Peter Wright of Nidderdale Community Welcome, anticipates that a refugee family from Syria will be arriving in Pateley Bridge this summer

Mr Wright, pointed out:

“It is anticipated it will be granted shortly, with a view to a family being welcomed into the Dale in early summer.”

He added:

“We have decided to stay with our original intentions of welcoming a Syrian family, many from Syria are still in camps in the Middle East whilst the conflict in their country continues.

“We have every sympathy with those from other countries displaced by war, Afghanistan and Ukraine who we hold in our thoughts and prayers, we believe the support we can offer best suits a vulnerable family from Syria.

“NCW will assist the family to sign up for all the allowances they will be eligible for as part of our national response and commitment to those displaced by conflict.

“Refugees are keen to be a valuable part of the community they move into, and to integrate as soon as they are able, but many also wish to be able to return home as soon as conditions allow.”

NCW is working in conjunction with Ripon City of Sanctuary and Harrogate District of Sanctuary, who will be helping the family learn English so they can become self-sufficient and participate in daily life. Courses will be run both locally and in nearby towns.

People from around the dale and further afield have already provided funding, resources, and their time and skills towards making the NCW project a success.

Read more: