Вечір танців
(Dance evening)
6 October 2023
We all had the most entertaining evening learning some traditional British folk dance dances. This was a wonderful shared experience and fitted so well with Ukrainian folk dance traditions.
Dancers each brought a plate of food to add the shared buffet supper and free drinks were provided.
23 September 2023
We had the most fabulous day at our Ukrainian Festival at Restore Hope, and the sun shone 🙂 . Thanks to all the volunteers, Ukrainian and local, for helping to make this happen. 700 plus meals cooked including a delicious Ukrainian BBQ, talented Ukrainian performers, people sharing their expertise in employment and housing, activities for the children and most importantly people connecting and forming a supportive network.
We were honoured to be joined by Felicity Buchan MP, Minister for Housing, Homelessness and Communities, Martin Tett Leader of Buckinghamshire Council, and Deputy Leader Gareth Williams. They all spent so much time listening and speaking to everyone.
A huge thank you to Restore Hope, Nate Sence and their volunteers.
The support they gave us was phenomenal. Thanks also to Dr Krish Kandiah OBE for joining us. It’s wonderful to experience central government, local government, charities and community groups coming together in such a positive way.
For a full write up on the event, please read this fabulous article by
Nataliia Kuraptseva
Peace in the Park
16 September 2023
An annual festival of peace brought thousands of visitors to a Buckinghamshire park.
The festival, organised by the Rotary Club of Chesham, took over Lowndes Park in Chesham on Saturday September 16.
An estimated 2,000 people came to celebrate the UN International Day of Peace and enjoy entertainment from local talent, food and activities.
Organiser of the event Parveiz Aslam MBE said: “Peace in the Park brings communities together, allowing everyone to express themselves, especially in these times of hardship around the world. It’s an opportunity for us all to stand united in promoting peace and understanding.”
Images: Mark Roberts
Trip to Canterbury, Dover and Margate
17th June 2023
Well done to the Ukrainian team who organised this Saturday’s visit to Canterbury, Dover and Margate. We are glad everyone had a wonderful time.
Our Visit To Road Farm
11th June 2023
Road Farm Countryways in Great Missenden provides a safe and relaxing environment for people in the Chiltern Hills to participate in farm related activities to improve their wellbeing, health and learning. As well as providing educational opportunities, Countryways welcomes individuals and specialist groups to the farm to benefit from “green” therapy.
Ukrainian Dinner & Quiz
On the 29April a Ukrainian dinner and quiz was organized and run by the children and their families of St Peter & St Pauls Church in Great Missenden and supported by Hilltops Ukrainian Support Community.
Everyone likes to eat well and cheer for their team! A traditional British charity quiz and a traditional hospitable Ukrainian dinner made it possible to combine these and get a great result. This cultural mix became a real pleasure for all the participants of the event.
Psychological support of children from Ukraine
Hi, my name is Svitlana Putiata. I arrived in the UK with my children because of the war in Ukraine. I know that on the one hand, the Ukrainians who have been lucky enough to flee from the war are experiencing significant trauma from leaving their homes, lives and loved ones. In particular, the children, some of whom have limited knowledge of the English language, are greatly affected by the level of change and uncertainty as they find themselves in new schools, missing their fathers, family and friends while trying to make new friends at the same time.
Hilltops Listening and Empathy Group
Huge thanks to Deb and Erik Jan from the Samaritans for running another training session for the Hilltops Listening and Empathy Group. Thanks also to Ira for translating and to our Ukrainian friends who have become listening volunteers ❤️
The Coronation of King Charles III Chesham Street Party
Hilltops Eurovision Party
We were delighted to host a party and watch the Final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 at the Chesham United Football Club
It was fabulous to see everyone coming together to celebrate Eurovision. We know how important connection and feeling part of the community is to everyone’s well being. We hope you enjoyed the evening… and we even got the sound blasting out in time for Ukraine’s performance 😊.
International Women's Day 2023
All Hilltops Ukrainian women were invited by the Sanctuary Foundation and Salesforce to a careers event in Bishopsgate, London on International Women’s Day. Attendees said it was a really inspirational day. The topics for discussion were exploring new opportunities for jobs in technology and entrepreneurship for refugee women.
Speakers included:
- Andy Ayim, MBE – Founder, The Angel Investing School
- Heather Black – Founder, Supermums
- Joanna Jensen – Founder, Childs Farm
- Sara Earnshaw – Senior Director, Salesforce
- Dr Krish Kandiah OBE – Director, Sanctuary Foundation
