The Friends of Buxton Station (FoBS) have been coming up with ideas of how to support the Ukrainian people currently settled in Buxton, as well as those still involved in the conflict.
FoBS wanted to allow Buxton people to do something positive and welcoming, and hit upon the idea of hosting a community Christmas tree in a public area at Buxton Railway Station. Everyone is encouraged to pop along to hang a Christmas wish or Ukrainian-themed decoration on the tree to show their support of this humanitarian gesture.
With the help of Gordon MacLellan, local community artist from Stone and Water, FoBS held a crafting session in the Pump Room on 28 November (the use of which was kindly gifted by the Buxton Crescent Heritage Trust) so that some of the Ukrainian settlers could make their own decorations out of recycled materials.
Speaking about the idea, Dave Carlisle, Chairman of FoBS, said: “It is an awful time of year to be far away from home. We want Ukrainian families forced to relocate to Buxton to feel welcomed and valued, and we want them to feel ‘at home’ here.
“We know the wonderful, welcoming people of Buxton will want to show their support too, and this project provides a simple way to do just that.”
The idea was happily embraced by local community group Buxton Friends of Ukraine (BFU), who offer a warm, caring and supportive welcome to Ukrainian people as they arrive in the town. To date, over 100 adults and children from Ukraine have come to the Buxton area.
Jess Smith, BFU Co-ordinator, added: “Thank you FoBS for coming up with this lovely seasonal way for the Buxton community to express their support to people seeking safety here. The Ukrainians in BFU have told us how much they appreciate the smiles and friendliness of Buxton folk. In these difficult times, that means so much.”
FoBS and BFU are grateful to Morrisons and their Community Champion, Rob Harrison, for donating the community tree.
The community tree will be available from 6 December until the first week of the New Year, to the left of the main Buxton Station building in the public car park.
Keep up to date with all projects and events from the Friends of Buxton Station via their Facebook page.
