A coffee morning was held at Trinity Chapel, Sketty, on Monday morning, 15 June, to raise money for the charity Voice of Ukraine Wales and Friends.
The event was organised by Dr Dai Lloyd and Dr Cath Lloyd, with the aim of providing medical equipment to be sent to Ukraine. Three women originally from Ukraine but now living in Swansea—Svitlana Phillips, Oksana Savchenko and Olena Kheminich—joined us to display wonderful examples of traditional clothing and handicrafts, particularly embroidery, which forms an important part of Ukraine’s rich cultural heritage. There was even embroidery on the shoes!
Svitlana spoke movingly about Ukrainian customs and traditions, which, like those of Wales, include a strong interest in folk music, classical music and modern rock. She also spoke, of course, about the heartbreaking situation currently facing Ukraine and about the determined resolve of Ukrainians of all ages to remain an independent nation in the face of oppression.
Connections
Dr Dai Lloyd reminded us of a historic connection between Wales and Ukraine. In 1870, John James Hughes, an engineer and businessman from Merthyr Tydfil, travelled to the Donbas region, where he established a large ironworks and coal mine. This area is now part of modern-day Donetsk.He also spoke about Gareth Jones, the Welsh journalist who wrote in 1933 about the Great Famine in Ukraine, risking his life to expose the truth. A memorial plaque commemorating him can be found at Aberystwyth University. He was killed in 1935—most likely by the Soviet secret police.Svitlana also referred to the support shown by the people of Ukraine to the people of the Welsh valleys during times of industrial action. Ukraine is often referred to as the “breadbasket of Europe” because it exports more wheat, barley, rapeseed and sunflower products than almost any other country. The war is now having a damaging effect on this production, with consequences being felt across much of the world.
The Reverend Jill-Hailey Harries warmly thanked Svitlana, Oksana and Olena for coming to share their traditional costumes and the embroidery of which they are so proud. She also thanked Dai and Cath for organising the event and, of course, everyone who gave their support.
Ann Davies
Bethel Trinity, Sketty
