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11
May 2023
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:
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:
Read more:
- Support for plans to twin Knaresborough with town in Ukraine
- 'Just one more trip' for Knaresborough's Ukraine aid hero
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.
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