Ukrainian residents in Melksham gathered last week to celebrate Ukraine Independence Day.
Ukrainian families who have settled in Melksham after fleeing the invasion of their country by Russia joined in dancing and singing in Melksham Market Place.
One of the new residents, Solomiia Zlonkeyvych, said, “I have been in Melksham for three and a half months; the town is really nice, everyone is really lovely and kind, and people say lovely words about Ukraine.
“I am here with two children, they have started at school and I have a job here in a local cafe which I found the day after I came here.
“I have a day off on Sundays and every Sunday we try to travel to see different places.
“We meet as a community every Saturday at 10.30-12pm, it helps to communicate in our native language and to support each other.
“Today is such an important day for us. It is tinged with sadness as we remember those still fighting to free our country, but we celebrate for all Ukrainians and their freedom.”
Ukraine Independence Day, 24th August, marks the day, 31 years ago, when Ukraine split from the Soviet Union and this year, was marked throughout the world.
