Fun day out provided for Ukrainian families.

The Ukrainian flag flew high last week as families from Kyiv, Odessa, Kharkow and Kherson enjoyed a fantastic, organised day trip to Bridlington made possible by Pocklington based charity, PRITC volunteers and donations. All the Children and Adult refugees are staying with host families in East Yorkshire. They travelled by minibus from Holme on Spalding Moor via Shiptonthorpe provided by Beverley Community Lift and volunteer driver Mike.

 The exciting day trippers carried and waves flags as they went and arrived firstly at Bridlington Fire Station. Here the group was treated to a full tour organised by Firefighters from Blue Watch and trip organiser Julia Hempel. Julia is Ukrainian herself but has lived in the area for over 17 years. The special guests were treated to demonstrations of equipment including 11 story high ladders, hoses and specialist cutting equipment used to rescue victims of road traffic accidents. All were taught important information regarding fire safety and the number to call in an emergency all of which was very different to what they were used to. Information was thoughtfully printed in Ukrainian and demonstrated with interest.

“It was so wonderful to see children and adults laughing and enjoying themselves so much especially with the high-pressure hoses!” said Julia. “We laughed a lot all day!”   

 After the fire station it was off for Fish ‘n’ chips and the beach. The weather was perfect and once again the Ukrainian flag flew high on the beach.  All the children enjoyed playing in the sea and the sand, some even burying themselves!

 The day absolutely flew by with everyone being disappointed that they had to go home. A quick ice cream and everyone was back on the bus for the homeward journey. Exhausted with chatter, new friendships secured, memories made, and troubles put behind them for the day the trip was a huge success.  

Special thanks to Howden Masonic lodge and Red Sky Ukulele group who made it all possible alongside PRITC.

“We intend to organise a lot more trips and activities like this bringing Ukrainian’s together” said Charity Trustee Claire Rhodes. “Already friendship and support groups have hugely broadened, we intend to build more on this and support further the refugees in our area.”

Anyone who would like to get involved volunteering please Email Pocklingtonritc@outlook.com

If you know of any Ukrainian families or hosts near you who would benefit, please do make sure they know about us.

Watch this space!