A UKRAINIAN refugee living in Bromsgrove has leaned on her floristry skills to give thanks as part of this year’s Easter celebrations at a local support group for those fleeing the war.
Tetyana Galenda, 64, who fled Kharkiv, leaving behind her home, her family and her floristry business, presented a wonderful bouquet of flowers for visitors at Bromsgrove Methodist Church.
She said: “Before the war, every year, I baked Easter cakes and made cottage cheese. This is our tradition. We painted eggs and the whole family gathered for this great holiday.
“At my shop we also made a lot of bouquets for Easter.”
Tetyana, who owned and ran her florist for nearly 20 years in Ukraine, fears for her aunt, sister and disabled brother who remain in Kharkiv, just 50km from the Eastern border with Russia.
She said: “I am very worried for them. Every day I call to check they are okay, I ask how many times Kharkiv has been bombed and if my house has been hit with rockets or shrapnel whilst my family are in there.
“I don’t know how much more the house will withstand the rockets.”
The grandmother has thanked Bromsgrove and Redditch Welcome Refugees (BRWR) for hosting weekly meet-ups at the church on Stratford Road to help refugees learn English and connect with others fleeing the conflict in their home nation.
Those wanting to offer support to Ukrainian refugees are also welcomed to attend.
“I really like to learn English and all the teachers are lovely. I enjoy going to the classes,” she said.
Galenda has been living with a host in Bromsgrove since leaving Ukraine and hopes to meet more of the estimated 100 Ukrainian refugees living in the district.
“I am very grateful to the government and the people of England.
“The people here are very kind, and the weather is good.
“But Ukraine is still my homeland and of course I am waiting for the war to end so I can go home,” she said.
The free support group meetings are held every Thursday morning between 10am and 12pm.
Booking is not necessary.
Email [email protected] or [email protected] for more information.
