On the beautiful, warm weekend of 10th and 11th of May, we had the honour of participating in the annual Flower Festival at St. Mary’s Church in Ballinger. This church holds a special place in our hearts, as it welcomed Ukrainians when we first arrived in this area. It offered us a space to learn English, attend services and simply find a moment of prayer and peace during such a difficult time. It was heartwarming to see so many local families who continue to support the Hilltops Community.

Our contribution to the festival included a stunning large bouquet and a delicate wreath crafted in yellow and blue colours of the Ukrainian flag by Oksana Shevchuk. These floral artworks caught the eye of many guests, drawing admiration and appreciation. We, in turn, took great pleasure in exploring the beautiful floral displays created by other members of the local community.

Throughout the event, we were able to talk with attendees and share the story of our community—how it is growing, what we’ve achieved, and what challenges we continue to face. Attendees, some of whom are hosts to the Ukrainians, were eager to engage in a conversation, expressing sympathy and concern for the ongoing situation in Ukraine. We also raised some of our pressing needs, such as finding employment opportunities that correspond to the professional skills level of the Ukrainian members of the Hilltops community. It was a joy to share tea and cake together, listen to a lovely concert, and soak up the sunshine and warmth of the day.

We would like to express our deepest gratitude to the Ballinger community for the chance they gave to the Ukrainians to live safely in the beautiful county of Buckinghamshire, surrounded by such supportive and kind-hearted people.