MALMESBURY SIGNS OFFICIAL FRIENDSHIP AGREEMENT WITH UKRAINIAN CITY OF CHERKASY

Malmesbury Town Council has signed an official Friendship Agreement with the Ukrainian city of Cherkasy to cement a growing relationship of support and mutual respect.

Malmesbury mayor, Cllr Phil Exton signed the formal agreement in an online ceremony at the Town Hall on August 23, Ukrainian Independence Day eve simultaneously with Cherkasy mayor Anatoli Bondarenko.

The event was witnessed by special guests including Deputy Lieutenant of Wiltshire Angus Macpherson MBE, Cllr Gavin Grant Malmesbury Stands With Ukraine support group convenor; Julia Bowen Malmesbury & District Twinning Association chair; Reverend Oliver Ross of Malmesbury Abbey and Great Somerford residents Natasha and Brendon Ball.  Natasha comes from Cherkasy and was translator for the ceremony and both are active members of the support group.

Cllr Exton said: “Our bond with Ukraine in general and Cherkasy in particular has grown since the war began two and a half years ago and we are delighted to create a more formal friendship agreement with this city community.

“We hope to strengthen those ties and offer support to our friends in Cherkasy as they continue to deal with the terrible impacts of this illegal war.”

Malmesbury has shown itself to be very supportive of Ukraine since the Russian invasion. As well as holding two midsummer festivals and festive services in Malmesbury Abbey, the town has fundraised through cake sales and quizzes and donated more than £20,000 to support the city’s main hospital.

Mayor Anatoli Bondarenko said: “Such support isn't just words, it's concrete actions that inspire and unite. Especially today, when Ukraine fights not only for its freedom, but for the freedom of all Europe.

“I am sure that this cooperation will open new opportunities for the development of our communities. On behalf of the entire Cherkasy community, thank you to the residents of Malmesbury for their support.”

Cherkasy is a city of around 260,000 people which sits around 120 miles south of the capital of Kyiv. It’s on the banks of the Dnieper River and its history dates back to around 1200, probably further.

Following the official signing, on Ukraine’s Independence Day (August 24) a civic reception was held at Malmesbury Town Hall to show continued to support to Cherkasy and all Ukrainian people.

Malmesbury local support group invites all local hosts and Ukrainian guests to join its Facebook group Malmesbury Stands With Ukraine to keep in touch with local events.