Llandudno Ukrainian cultural event and Prestatyn bowling night raise funds and spirits

The cultural event, presented by Ukrainians at the Trinity Community Centre on August 20, raised £950, which will be used to support those fighting to protect Ukraine following Russia’s invasion in February.

The event was presented by Olesia Strutynska, a Ukrainian teacher from the city of Ivano-Frankivsk in Western Ukraine.

It provided an overview of Ukraine, its culture, history, music and traditions, with a presentation of interesting facts about the nation, its customs and traditions, and its songs, dance and poetry.

A 13-year-old refugee from Kyiv, Volodymyr, gave a presentation about a brief history of Ukraine. 

Anastasia Volochai, a teacher, and her mother Victoriia Plyzhnyk, a marketing manager, described the symbols of Ukraine and their significance, as well the country’s history and most famous faces.

Ukrainian music and a Welsh song, “Anfonaf Angel” (“Guardian Angel”) was performed by violinist Olha Piddubna, and pianist Anna Smirnova, helped by her daughter.

Another couple of teenagers - Dennis from Kyiv on violin and Maria on piano - played a Ukrainian song called “Moonlit Night”.

There was also a presentation of Ukrainian embroidered clothes and dancing, while children performed a rendition of the Ukrainian song "Ukraine, it is Me", which portrays their love for the nation and their wish to live in a happy, peaceful country again.

After the event, there was an opportunity to buy Ukrainian gifts, hand-made by refugees.

Attendees could also sample cakes, followed by raffle prizes announced by the mayor of Llandudno, Carol Marubbi, with the help of Thea Graham, Llandudno's “Miss Alice”.

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Helen Denning, herself from Ukraine, said: “We had a full house again and raised £950 thanks to everyone's generosity.

“All the funds will be used to support brave Ukrainian defenders, providing them with essential provisions, including medication and clothing.

“The money will be sent to the fund of Pavlo Vyshebaba, a Ukrainian poet and musician, now fighting for freedom and independence of Ukraine to provide a peaceful and happy future for Ukrainian children.

“A poem by Pavlo Vyshebaba, was dedicated to his daughter and all the children waiting for their parents to come back from the war. The poem is called ‘To My daughter’.

“Whilst Olha and Anna were playing moving Ukrainian music, the audience had a chance to see an emotional video about beautiful Ukraine before the war and now, after the missile's attacks. It made many people cry.

“We are very grateful to everyone who came to support us.

“Thank you so much to all the people who donated raffle prizes, baked cakes, and helped to make our event special.

“We are also very grateful to the Cottage Loaf, Haven Cafe, Cineworld and the Rotary Club for their generous donations of raffle prizes.

“Finally, very special thanks to all the participants for their beautiful performance, and to Carol Marubbi, who is also chairman of Trinity Centre for her wonderful generosity and continued support in providing this ideal venue.”

This event followed a group of refugees from Ukraine who have moved to North Wales enjoying a bowling night in Prestatyn courtesy of the Rotary Club of Llandudno.

The club arranged for the 44 refugees (24 Llandudno-based, 20 Prestatyn-based), aged from eight and nine to between 50 and 60, to spend an evening bowling at Ffrith Park in Prestatyn on August 15.

A number of Ukrainians have fled their homeland and relocated to North Wales following Russia’s invasion.

Llandudno Rotarian Mike Perry hailed the evening as a “great success”.

Mike said: “They all thoroughly enjoyed themselves. A lot of them hadn’t seen each other for a long time, or had never met each other, so it was an opportunity for them to get together.

“We’d like to say thank you to Majdi, the manager (at the bowling alley), who organised it all. It was a great success.”

Asked how the group became involved in helping those from Ukraine, Mike added: “We were approached by Reverend Tim Hall (former school chaplain, St David’s College), who is part of (charity) Link International.

“They approached us for help sending some things abroad to Ukraine, so we got to know some of the Ukrainian people here (through doing that).

“We were not only sending stuff abroad, we were looking after those here.

“Obviously, some of them who are here are traumatised and obviously hurt, having lost their homes and their trade – they’ve come here with nothing.

“We’re hoping to get money to put towards looking after the refugees who are here, providing them with the means to enjoy themselves and to help them integrate into the community.”

A small group of Llandudno Rotarians, led by Mike Perry, are planning and co-ordinating  initiatives designed to help Ukrainian refugees feel welcome and integrate them into the community.

They want to build on this in collaboration with such organisations as Llandudno Lions, with whom a meeting is scheduled in early September.

Llandudno Rotary is also liaising with Meredith Levine of Friendswood Rotary Club, Houston, Texas.

The Friendswood club is engaged in a programme of making  financial support towards many Ukrainian refugee initiatives being undertaken both by Link International and Llandudno Rotary itself.

Meanwhile, after meeting therapy dog Jamie and four others, courtesy of Rotarian Mary Oliver and Therapy Dogs Nationwide, eight Ukrainians went on the Llandudno Pier, had rides on the ferris wheel, and enjoyed refreshments and an ice cream, all courtesy of pier owner Adam Williams. 

Later that day, past president of Llandudno Lions, Norman Mylchreest, drove the classic bus on a trip around the Great Orme and the town centre, and received a round of applause and a standing ovation from those on the bus for his kindness.

There was no charge by Alpine Coaches, and there were approximately 24 people on that trip.

Rotarian Dan Worsley, owner of the Worsleywear clothing company, has also donated a large consignment of mixed clothing (valued at approximately £10,000) plus a quantity of ladies’ make-up.

Ukrainian soldiers expressing their gratitude for receiving boxer shorts from Dan's efforts

These comprised items that the company considered not worth listing for sale or as being shop soiled, plus some front-line stocks where Worsleywear were carrying excessive stocks.

More than 1,000 pairs of boxer shorts from front-line stock was part of the Ukraine consignment sent by Worsleywear from their Abergele warehouse.

Dan has also been instrumental in arranging for Glan Conwy Football Club to welcome Ukrainian players.  

Dennis, a young player, said: "I will keep on training hard until I am good enough to be selected." 

James, manager of Glan Conwy, handing Dennis his shirt after Dennis had thoroughly enjoyed his first week's training.

Since Dennis blazed the trail a couple of weeks ago, four further Ukrainian players have also taken part, assisted in part by transport provided by Dan and others.

Llandudno Rotary's sub-committee is in the process of arranging stalls, pop-up shops and pitches for the Ukrainians to sell some of the donated makeup, together with crafted goods they have made themselves.

Rotary has arranged for them to have a stall at Conwy Honey on September 13.

There is also the prospect of a weekly cultural gathering in Llandudno

The Rotary Club of Llandudno has 18 members (plus honorary members) and forms part of Rotary International - a global network of service volunteers.

It is the world’s largest service organisation, founded in 1905, and has 1.4 million members operating in 46,000 clubs in more than 200 countries and territories world-wide.

The Llandudno club was founded in 1927 – you can find out more at: www.llandudnorotary.org.