Newbury MP hosts Ukraine tea party to welcome refugees

Ukrainian refugees staying in West Berkshire have enjoyed an ice cream in the sun with the Newbury MP.

Children and adults came together in the grounds of Shaw House on Friday, August 11, for a picnic to welcome them to the district after having to leave their homes in Ukraine.

MP Laura Farris walked the grounds with her team meeting and greeting Ukrainian refugees as they enjoyed the sun, music and entertainment.

She said: “It is so lovely meeting the families.

“Their first contact with me would have been when they were really unsafe and stranded, now to see them safe in West Berkshire at least you can host them for those few years."

Mrs Farris commented on the success of the matches in West Berkshire with hosts and guests getting on well, with children enjoying school and finding sport to be a bridge for any language barriers.

The event, organised with Newbury Lions and other community groups, was put together to welcome refugees into the district.

Mrs Farris added: “I am so proud of the community that I represent, I am not surprised with the support of our community.

“I want people to feel included and not feel isolated.

“So far it has been really lovely and really positive.”

She gave a speech to all attendees before passing the mic to four young Ukrainian children who sang their country's national anthem.

Mrs Farris thanked Newbury Lions, Newbury Baptist Church, Kevin Hughs, Garry Poulson and her own team, among others, for their work in supporting the refugees both here in Newbury and in Ukraine.

She drew upon the “hours and hours and hours” spent on the phone “checking, chasing and following up” Homes for Ukraine inquiries with the Home Office and commented on the “big hearted community” of Newbury.

She said: “To the Ukrainian families I know in your hearts this is not where you want to be or where you think you would be. Everybody has left somebody behind.

“We will always be by Ukraine’s side. We will stand with you until it’s safe to go back. I hope you will always feel proud to live in Newbury.”

The children’s rendition of the state Anthem of Ukraine drew tears from the crowd as people remembered their home country and what they had left behind.

“It’s just meant to be a relaxing afternoon really and there’s lovely weather for it,” Newbury Lions’ Judith Colby said.

“It is an opportunity to look around the house and find out what it is all about.

“Volunteers here have given up their time to help and Shaw House have been very helpful.

“We must thank them for allowing us to hold this here.”

Mum of two Anna Batulinska arrived in the UK on June 22 and said that she is feeling “support” from everywhere.

She said: “One of my children is six years old and one is 15 and they’re learning English.

“There is a great community, Newbury is a very lovely place. The [host] family is really supportive of me.”

As parents tucked into sandwiches and ice cold drinks, children sat gathered around the magician and balloonist who gave up his time to entertain the crowds.

Newbury-based host Rachel Horner is living with Ukrainian refugee Ana and both popped down to the picnic after receiving an email from MP Laura Farris.

Despite experiencing a struggle in getting Anna to the UK, Mrs Horner said the experience of having her has been enjoyable.

She said: “It was really stressful getting her here but it has since been quite easy.

“Anna has been to Stonehenge for Summer Solstice, she’s been to Oxford, Durdle Door, and Bournemouth.

“I would encourage other people who are thinking of becoming hosts or have a spare room to consider it.”

Band The Rokkits played a set for the guests as they enjoyed their picnic lunch.

Before their set, member Richard Summersby said: “When we were asked we thought what a fantastic opportunity.

“It is just a lovely thing to do for these people who have had upheaval in their lives.”

Mr Summersby, whose band enjoys playing at charity and community events, joked about how comfortable the young children were behind the mic, singing the Ukrainian national anthem.

He continued: “It is lovely to see everybody so happy. It is a lovely day.”

Newbury Rotarian Graham Leech said: “We feel that being involved in events like this supporting Ukrainian refugees is really what we are here to do in many ways.”