22nd February 2023
Lincolnshire stands with Ukraine ahead of first anniversary of Russian invasion
This week on Friday 24 February, Lincolnshire will stand in solidarity with Ukraine on the first anniversary of the Russian invasion.
Since March last year, 1,200 Ukrainians have made Lincolnshire their temporary home under the Homes for Ukraine scheme. The Lincolnshire Resettlement Partnership, comprising of Lincolnshire councils and a range of public sector agencies and charitable sector organisations all working together, has been supporting local communities to offer people from Ukraine the warmest possible welcome to the county.
Nationally, more than 100,000 Ukrainians have arrived in the UK under the Homes for Ukraine scheme since the outbreak of the war, and Lincolnshire is second highest in the East Midlands and 19th nationally in terms of number of arrivals in the UK by sponsor location.
If you're reading this as a host on the scheme, thank you for the incredible generosity and support you've offered to those fleeing the war in Ukraine.
National moment of silence
The government has announced a national one minute silence at 11am on Friday 24 February to pay tribute to the bravery of Ukrainians and highlight the UK’s solidarity with the country, as they continue their courageous fight. This comes after the historic visit of President Zelenskyy to the UK earlier this month.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is expected to lead the nation in silence from Downing Street, and the government is encouraging individuals and organisations across the UK to participate. Read more about the minute's silence on the gov.uk website.
Show your support on social media
We've created some graphics combining the Lincolnshire and Ukrainian flags. Please feel free to download them for use on your social media channels:
Also use the hashtags #StandWithUkraine and #StandForFreedom on any posts to show your support.
Local events marking the first anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on Friday 24 February
We know that many events are planned throughout Lincolnshire with residents from across the county showing their support for Ukraine.
Thank you for sharing the following events with us:
Sleaford Market Place
Gathering at 10.30am
Join the Vicar of Sleaford, Rev Philip Johnson for a moment of quiet reflection and a short service starting at 10.40am.
There will also be the laying of flowers by the Chairman of North Kesteven District Council and the Mayor of Sleaford.
Lincoln Brayford Wharf (outside Prezzo)
5.30-6pm (followed by fundraising event from 6-9pm)
Join the Lincoln Friends of Ukraine for a candlelit vigil. Bring a candle, share together in quiet remembrance and reflection.
The event will then move to an indoor gathering at Grafton House (32 Newland) which will include raffles and auctions for donated items courtesy of local businesses. There will also be Ukrainian cuisine, cultural activities and music.
Stamford
Meet at 6.30pm at the memorial, Browne’s Hospital on Broad Street
Join Stamford Diversity Group to light candles and observe a time of silence. There will be some short speeches, poetry from Stamford poet laureate Scott Coe and Youth poet laureate Daniel Paice and the local Ukrainian choir will sing the National Anthem.
The head of Churches Together has also been invited to lead a short prayer.
Other events
The Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain (AUGB), Ukrainian Churches and other organisations will be holding events nationwide to commemorate the day. Their focus will be on marking 365 days of resistance by Ukrainians and kindness from the UK to Ukraine. The current list of events is being regularly updated and can be found on the AUGB website.
In the news
Several of our hosts and guests have been interviewed by regional news outlets to mark the anniversary, so be sure to catch the local evening news on TV and radio on Thursday and Friday to hear them tell their stories.
For anyone who missed 'Songs of Praise' on Sunday, you can also catch Gainsborough host Deirdre speaking to Rev Kate Bottley about her experience hosting Oleg, Olena and their French bulldog, Juliet on BBC iPlayer (forward to 19:15).
Ukraine window flag
We’ve created a poster template for children to show their support for Ukraine, uniting the Lincolnshire and Ukrainian flags.
Download and print it, write on it with a message of ‘peace’ or ‘hope’ and pop it in your window, and ask friends and family to do the same.