Rye marked the 35th anniversary of Ukrainian independence on Monday 24 August with a gathering bringing together members of the town’s Ukrainian community and local residents in a show of friendship, solidarity and hope.
Town Crier Paul Goring opened the commemoration with a special cry, continuing Rye’s tradition of publicly showing its support for Ukraine and for the Ukrainians who have made their homes in the town and surrounding villages since the Russian invasion.
Councillor Pat Hughes, deputy mayor of Rye, spoke of the welcome the town had given to Ukrainian families following the Russian invasion. She reflected on the poignant meaning of Rye’s name in Ukrainian – Paradise – and expressed the hope that one day those who have sought sanctuary here would be able to return to their own paradise in their homeland.
Colonel Anthony Kimber, representing Homes for Ukrainians in Rye and District, also addressed the gathering. He spoke warmly of the long-standing bonds that have developed between local families and their Ukrainian friends: bonds that were first forged some 40 years ago in the aftermath of the Chernobyl disaster. He reassured those present that the community would continue to stand alongside them and look after them for as long as needed.
One of the most moving moments came when Martin Bruce, a Rye Harbour resident, sang the Prayer for Ukraine in Ukrainian, bringing a moment of reflection to the anniversary gathering.
Many members of Rye’s Ukrainian community attended, some wrapped in or carrying the familiar blue and yellow flags of their homeland. For those who have been forced to build new lives far from home, the anniversary was both a celebration of Ukrainian identity and a reminder of everything they have left behind.
The message from Rye was simple: Ukraine and its people remain part of our community, and the hope remains that one day they will be able to return safely to a peaceful homeland.
Col. Anthony Kimber wrote after the event, “On 24 August, Ukraine marks its independence day. This year is 35 years from August 1991, when the Ukrainian people chose to take their place as an independent nation. It was recognised by the international community, including the Russian Federation.
“For five years, Ukraine has been defending its independence against Russia’s illegal aggression. President Putin launched the war because he refused to accept Ukraine as a sovereign state, a distinct nation, and a free people. He expected Ukrainians to yield. Instead, they have shown strength and resilience.
“By coincidence, today Prime Minister Burnham visited Kyiv and declared that the UK was with Ukraine ‘all the way’ despite ‘outrageous threats’ from Russia. These words were reflected by those at Rye Town Hall, when talking about the commitment to support those Ukrainians who have taken refuge in the Rye area.
“The Rye Homes for Ukraine hub formed in early 2022 to provide a local focus and link to similar ones in other parts of Rother and Hastings. Later, Rother District delegated overall district coordination to Rother Voluntary Action (RVA) in Bexhill.
“Since the start, in the Rye area, the number of family units has dropped from its peak of around 25 to 10 at present. Some have returned home to safer parts of western Ukraine; others have moved to other places in UK. Those remaining today come from places often in the news, such as Dombas, Kharkiv, Mariupol and Odessa. They rent homes or live with hosts. The generosity of the latter is nothing short of remarkable.
Col. Anthony Kimber received this message from Krystyna from Hastings Ukrainians:
“I just wanted to send you a proper thank you for today. I was genuinely so impressed by how beautifully everything was organised at Rye Town Hall.
“The whole event felt incredibly thoughtful and sincere — from the town crier and the deputy mayor, Martin Bruce who performed the Ukrainian song. Hearing people make the effort to speak Ukrainian was particularly touching. It wasn’t simply the words themselves, but the warmth and sincerity with which everything was said.
“The speeches were wonderful and so well chosen. There were some really important and meaningful words about Ukraine, and I think you created exactly the right atmosphere for such an important day for us.
“I enjoyed the whole occasion enormously and came away feeling genuinely touched by the amount of thought, effort and respect that had gone into it.
“Please pass on my heartfelt thanks to everyone who took part and helped make it happen. And a very special thank you to you, Anthony, for bringing it all together so beautifully. It really meant a great deal to us.”
Image Credits: Kt bruce .