North Devon vigil for Ukraine

Vigil for Ukraine

Photos by Simon Ellery

People travelled from across North Devon to hold a vigil to mark the first anniversary of the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine on February 24th.

Many of those present outside the museum in The Square in Barnstaple, were refugees who have fled the war and are now living with host families in our area.

The poignant event was organised by the local charity The Pickwell Foundation, along with the organisation North Devon & Torridge with Ukraine and local councils.

So far 313 Ukrainians have settled in North Devon since the start of the war. The Pickwell Foundation is leading calls for more potential host families to come forward.

Above, flags in support of Ukraine and below, Olena Subocheva (white jacket) travelled over from her host home in South Molton

A minute’s silence was held at the vigil for Ukraine in Barnstaple on February 24th