Ashton's Ukrainian community marks 35 years of independence

Ashton-under-Lyne’s Ukrainian community came together this past weekend to mark 35 years of Ukrainian independence.

The events combined celebration, fundraising and a show of gratitude to the local community. 

Members and supporters of the Association of Ukrainian Women (AUW) gathered at their Community Centre on Stockport Road on Saturday, August 22nd, for an afternoon of speeches, traditional food, and a quiz featuring questions about both Ukraine and Tameside. 

The celebrations carried mixed emotions, with pride and hope for Ukraine’s future alongside sadness for those continuing to suffer as the country defends its freedom.

The AUW also hosted a fundraising stall to raise money for art therapy resources for convalescing Ukrainian soldiers in Ukraine. The organisers thanked everyone who bought items or made donations. 

The weekend commemoration continued on Monday, August 24th – Ukraine’s Independence Day – when a group of AUW women, a Ukrainian woman from Rivne, Andrew from Stalybridge Litter Hub, and Councillor Atta Ul Rasool joined forces for a community litter pick around the Ukrainian Community Centre and Oxford Park area of Ashton. 

The clean-up was organised as a thank you for the continued support Ukraine has received from the UK, while also reflecting the Ukrainian community’s commitment to the area it now calls home. 

A special thank you was given to Nicola from The Base, Ryecroft House, who provided the equipment for the litter pick. 

The community’s activities coincided with a significant day for UK-Ukrainian relations, as Andy Burnham made his first overseas visit since becoming Prime Minister, travelling to Kyiv on Ukraine’s Independence Day. He joined President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and other leaders to mark the anniversary and reaffirm the UK’s continued support for Ukraine. 

A spokesperson for the AUW commented: 

“What a positive surprise to hear our Prime Minister visiting Kyiv for their Independence anniversary. As Ukrainians, born here, we are very proud of the stance of the UK towards Ukraine.” 

Meanwhile, a recent Ukrainian refugee to Tameside, and the person who suggested the litter pick, said the following: 

“It is important to remember that independence means having the right to be ourselves: to speak our native language, preserve our traditions, raise our children in our culture, freely choose our future, and call Ukraine our home.

“For some, today is a day of pride in their country. For others, it is a day of gratitude to those who defend it. For some, it brings sadness for a home that is far away. And for others, it is a hope that children and future generations will know Ukraine as a peaceful, free and strong country. 

“Independence begins with each of us — with how we remember, what we pass on to our children, and how we protect and cherish Ukraine wherever we are today.”