Remembrance Day held special significance this year when members of Chepstow Rotary Club went along to see for themselves how the Ukrainian Community Hub helps refugees from across the area.

Following the Chepstow service, Rotary Club president, Paul Durant, and Rotarians Stacey Thornhill and Guy Wilson visited the Ukrainian Community Hub at the St Briavels Assembly Rooms.

As a direct result of these displaced people coming to the area The Hub was established in May 2022.

Few people realise that there are a considerable number of Ukrainian refugee families living in the area.

They are mostly women and young children escaping to safety while their husbands and fathers are left behind to fight for their country.

“It is thought provoking to think, as we recently remembered those lost in two World wars, that people are once again dying in a war in Europe, especially in the lead up to Christmas”, said Rotarian Guy.

The Community Hub provides a safe place for the Ukraine families to come and spend quality time together as a community.

All Ukraine residents from across the region are welcome to join for networking, mutual support and friendship.

It provides free Wifi, computer access, a cinema screen, soft play mats, toys and books for the children and all in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere as well as arranging occasional day trips.

“This Hub is not merely a Sunday lunch Club,’’ said Karen Cockfield, a driving force behind The Hub.

“The first time we opened for our complimentary Sunday buffet we catered for 30, not knowing how many might attend. Yet 110 turned up!”

‘‘Between 40 and 150 people attend on a Sunday travelling from all over the area.

‘‘For many of them it provides with a once-weekly opportunity to speak in their native language to others in similar situations.

‘’To pass on advice and learn about friends and family who are still in Ukraine.

‘‘It is especially important for the young children to see their friends and chat together.

‘‘They need computer access for job applications and e-learning for the children whom they support from generous donations.”

Volunteers also help the Ukrainians with advice on jobs, housing, education, schooling, medical matters while providing clothing for those that need it.

They also arrange crucial transport that is essential in this very rural area. Ukrainian language lessons have now started for local people while the Ukrainians are taught English.

The Chepstow Rotarians handed over a cheque for £1,000 and presented the children with new warm fleeces and jumpers.

Afterwards they spoke with the Ukrainian families who shared their traumatic escape stories and the tragic fate of some of their family members.

“It was truly humbling to hear what some of these people have been through, and meet the exceptional local volunteers that are helping them”, said Rotarian Stacey.

Given that the income for these Ukrainian families is limited to the basic State Benefits the Chepstow Rotary Club plans to provide further support for these, our local Ukrainian families.

The Hub is organising a children’s Christmas party supported by local Rotary Clubs where, Chepstow Garden Centre has generously donated a Christmas tree.

Following the visit, Chepstow Rotary announced that many in these families will be performing live as the Ukraine Community Hub Choir by the light of flaming torches at the Rotary Torchlight Carol Service to be held at Tintern Abbey on Saturday December 3 when a bucket collection in support of the Ukrainians will be held afterwards.

This will surely be a most welcome addition to this popular annual event, while demonstrating everyone’s admiration for their country.

Chepstow Rotary Club is attracting new members who are attracted by their support of the community, together with their enjoyable social programme and details are at chepstowrotary.com and you can also find them on Facebook.