Congleton-based Ukrainians enjoy a great day out in Merseyside
Congleton Area Ukrainian Support Network arranged an unforgettable day out for local Ukrainians, which included visiting Formby beach and Liverpool's Albert Dock.
A trip to the seaside has always been a special family treat and something to be enjoyed. Then, imagine then that you are a Ukrainian young boy who has not seen the sea since 2013.
For him, it must have been something rather special.
On Sunday morning, almost 50 Ukrainians, hosted by local families, gathered excitedly in Congleton for a big day out.
Just over 90 minutes later, they were joyously running onto the sandy beach at Formby for a special day organised by Congleton Area Ukrainian Support Network.
For some, the first question was 'How warm is the sea' ? The answer (18C) did not seem to deter them. Others hastily formed groups to share their picnics.
Joint organisers Vic Brown and Paul Nixon were delighted with the response from the new residents of our town (and further afar).
"Seeing so many happy smiling faces was such a pleasure and worth all the challenges of arranging the event," said Paul and Vic.
"Our thanks go to all that made that possible including Congleton's New Life Church, Formby National Trust and our volunteer drivers. The weather was kind to us which certainly helped"
After lunch, the group went in search of Red Squirrels on the reserve trail.
On this occasion, the squirrels decided to stay hidden in the trees, but this did not seem to disappoint our town's new Ukrainian friends.
It turned out Red Squirrels are still commonplace in Ukraine, unlike in the UK where they have been outnumbered by the Grey Squirrels.
Instead, they posed as squirrels on a small hill, and threw their pine cones at the photographer.
After lunch, the group travelled on to Albert Dock at Liverpool and spent several hours exploring the locality.
For some, the pleasure was the Big Wheel. For others it was meeting John, Paul, George and Ringo on the waterfront. You might say they missed the Squirrels, but saw some Beatles.
Tired, but very happy, the group returned to Congleton that evening, with smiles all around.
It was a day for all the remember, summed up by this Ukrainian 'thank you' message on Facebook - "Thank you very much for organizing such an event and having a great time, for the fact that Ukrainians can be together and communicate," they said.
It was a special day to help make up for the challenges they continue to experience separated from family and loved-ones back in war-torn Ukraine.
Congleton Area Ukrainian Support Network are one of Cheshire's most active Ukraine support groups, they even take requests from hosts and families based outside of Congleton.
In May, they revealed 88 Ukrainians are currently in the process of coming to Congleton.
If you want to host a Ukrainian family, please head to the CAUSN website.
The Congleton Area Support Network have over 50 volunteers, and are always looking for extra help.
You can also join their 200 members in their Facebook group for more information.
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