Test Valley vigils to mark second anniversary of invasion of Ukraine
Members of Test Valley Borough Council’s Refugee Resettlement Team are supporting vigils in Romsey and Andover on 24 February, to mark the second anniversary of the invasion of Ukraine by Russian forces.
The Council will also be flying the Ukrainian flag on Council buildings and lighting the Guildhall with Ukrainian colours from Thursday 22 February, for the duration of the weekend.
256 Ukrainian guests are still living in Test Valley, thanks to many residents of the borough, who have welcomed them into their homes and their lives.
The Council’s resettlement team has provided a wide range of practical support, working with hosts and tenants and holding a range of events, including creative and family workshops, and regular drop-ins in both the Romsey and Andover areas. This has made sure that all guests have somewhere to live and know where to go if they have questions or need support.
Leader of the Council, Phil North, said: “Two years on from Russia’s appalling invasion of Ukraine, we continue to show our care and support for our Ukrainian guests. Those who have arrived in Test Valley have quickly become important members of our community and I’d like to thank everyone who has helped welcome them to the borough and continues to support them. Ultimately, I hope that with the support of the international community providing military aid, Putin can eventually be defeated – and those that have come here get a chance to return home. In the meantime, I know they will continue to receive a warm welcome here in Test Valley.”
Volunteers in Romsey are holding a candle-lit vigil at 6.00pm in the Market Place in Romsey on 24 February. A similar event will be held at St. Mary’s Church in Andover on Friday 23 February between 4.00 and 6.00pm. All are welcome to attend and pay their respects, for those who have lost their lives, those who are still living with the conflict and those who have had to leave their homes.