Praying for peace in Ukraine

by Peter Robinson

On a cold, damp March evening in South Molton, the silence was shattered by the sound of air raid sirens, followed soon after by the terrifying blast of bombs falling, echoing around the Pannier Market. There were noticeable gasps, with some close to tears among the 200 or so gathered for a vigil for peace in Ukraine.

The recording played for just a few seconds, a poignant reminder of the horrors of war being played out on European soil, but nothing compared to the terror unfolding 1,600 miles away.

“We must stand up against evil wherever we find it. President Putin has really shown himself in his true colours by invading the sovereign nation of Ukraine,” said local councillor David Worden from South Molton, who organised the vigil. “Men, women and children are losing their lives. It’s heartbreaking to see day after day the pictures of destruction and seeing families fleeing their homes - almost 3 million refugees already.”

“We want everyone to know that South Molton and North Devon’s communities are firmly behind Ukraine and its people during this shocking war. But let’s not blame the ordinary people of Russia, they’re not the ones who want this war, it’s their leaders. This war must stop.”

The vigil on Tuesday, March 8th was opened by South Molton Mayor Councillor Mervyn Way, and donations made on the night and from market stall fees raised more than £1,000 for the British Red Cross.

“We pray for the people of Ukraine and the people of Russia. We pray for peace and the laying down of weapons,” said the Reverend Dr Michael Grandey, from South Molton’s St Mary Magdalene Church. “We pray for the people of Russia that they have the conviction and courage to speak our against

the war.” Continued on pages 22 & 23

All photos this page by Karolina Andreasova

Asking for peace

Mayor Mervyn Way and Cllr David Worden

Placing a heart of candles

Hope for the future - Lukas Gergel, aged 10, with his sunflower placard for peace. The sunflower is the national flower of Ukraine.

Aid from Chulmleigh College going to Poland on empty returning food trucks As the war began, there was a massive and much welcomed response from the people of North Devon. Donations came in thick and fast, including bullet proof vests, military kit, winter clothing, vital medical supplies and items for children and babies.

Collection points were set up including Chulmleigh College (above), and North Devon Tyres and the Binge Box in South Molton. Volunteers at North Devon Animal Ambulance coordinated pet supplies to be shipped out. Refurnish South Molton raised £1,500 through a sale day on March 12th.

Local haulier Richard Easterbrook and his Ukrainian wife Mariya (above) organised a lorry to take a warehouse full of donations over to where they were most needed, to help the millions of refugees fleeing the war into neighbouring countries.

Ukrainians living locally said they were deeply touched by the amount of support. “The power of our North Devon community for the donations and help was amazing. Thank you all so much,” said Mariya. “It is utterly terrifying and heartbreaking, and I know we are all without words how this can be happening and are unable to control our emotions. We are praying for Ukraine.”