Above: A photo of the group celebrating. Below: Mermaids: Mylor and Flushing WI President Fran Michael talking to Taras Krykun, the Deputy Ukrainian Ambassador.
Members of Mermaids: Mylor and Flushing WI were delighted when Historic England recently decided to give the Ukrainian Cross just outside Mylor Bridge a
Grade 11 listed status. This is the monument that the WI members have been looking after in recent years, and which celebrates UK solidarity with the Ukrainian people and gives thanks for the refuge and safety provided locally for Ukrainians fleeing from Russian Communism. It was erected in 1948 but came to public attention with the onset of the current war in Ukraine.
Mermaids: Mylor and Flushing WI was asked to host and provide refreshments after a ceremony last week marking the listing of the Cross, which is situated on a country road on the way to Restronguet Barton, next to the site of the original refugee camp. The members were delighted to welcome Ukrainian families, sadly again fleeing from Russian aggression, from cities including Kharkov, Kyiv and Lvi, after the listing ceremony along with the Deputy Ukrainian Ambassador to the UK, Taras Krykun; Fedir Kurlak, CEO of the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain; Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Sport, Tourism and Heritage, Nigel Huddleston; and the CEO of Historic England, Duncan Wilson; plus local parish representatives.
Tea, cake and coffee were enjoyed by all in Tremayne Hall, Mylor Bridge, where the Mylor History group had created an excellent display about the history of the Cross and refugee camp. The refreshments were much appreciated with compliments from the Heritage Minister.
An example of traditional Ukrainian embroidery
The Ukrainian Cross outside Mylor Bridge