AS THE world marked Ukraine Independence Day today, a Droitwich councillor said the authority was ‘still hopeful’ of forming a twinning of ‘solidarity and friendship’ with a spa town in the war-torn country.
And Councillor Dave Davidson, who put the idea to the Standard in March before he was elected, said a potential partner town had already been identified.
The town, in the west of the country, is of a similar size to Droitwich.
If enough people in Droitwich wanted to twin with a Ukrainian settlement, an association would need to bring the proposal to the town council for permission and representation.
Coun Davidson said: “We haven’t currently had the time to look into the complexities of this in depth but it is something we would like to do.
“Of course, this wouldn’t be a regular type of twinning as initially we wouldn’t be able to have anyone go and visit.
“Speaking as someone who has Ukrainian friends who have arrived in the town over the past year, the sooner Ukraine can maintain its independence and be entirely free of aggression the better.”
Ukraine Independence Day marks the anniversary of the country becoming free of the then Soviet Union.
A special flag-raising ceremony was held at Wychavon’s Civic Centre with Ukrainians living in the district invited, along with their host families and staff who have supported them.
Nearly 400 Ukrainian guests have been helped under Wychavon’s Homes for Ukraine Scheme.
Droitwich CVS has held a year of events and activities to bring Ukrainians in the town together, capping off with a celebration day last month to mark the end of the work.
Activities have included coffee and cake sessions at Droitwich Library, Christmas parties and film screenings as well as English lessons and support navigating the housing market.
Droitwich CVS community builder Lucy Bird said she was ‘incredibly proud’ of helping to bring the Droitwich Ukrainian community together and said she felt over the moon when she saw a picture of some of them going out for dinner on Facebook.
