Hello!
I do not imagine that there can have been many times this month when the horrific situation facing the people of Ukraine has been far from any of our minds. Earlier this month, I attended an update by Tunbridge Wells Borough Council (TWBC) on the role of the Borough and Parishes in providing support. Having seen first-hand the generosity and kind-heartedness of the residents of Hawkhurst through the Hawkhurst Community Support Group, it came as no surprise to find that Hawkhurst had a significant cluster of residents offering to host Ukrainian refugees.
TWBC has a dedicated web page on support for Ukraine, which can be found at https://tunbridgewells.gov.uk/news/ukraine This includes links to relevant Government information, charities, and more details on how you can provide support to Ukrainian refugees, including registering as a volunteer. For those of you who have already registered as potential hosts, there is useful information on the next steps, including what to expect from the property inspections.
As part of HPC’s response, we are starting to collate details of local contacts for relevant services for inclusion on a dedicated website for Hosts and their Ukrainian Guests currently being constructed by TWBC. Please let the Parish Office have your contact details if you provide services that might be of use, such as handyman, babysitting, transport etc. We would also love to hear from any Ukrainian or Russian speakers who could offer their support as translators.
Looking ahead, Hawkhurst’s Annual Parish Assembly will be at Hawkhurst Primary School on Monday 23rd May. After missing the last two years due to COVID, we look forward to seeing you there.
Plans for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations are progressing well. Please do follow the Hawkhurst Platinum Jubilee Celebrations Facebook page as this is where we will be sharing details of the events.
Clare Escombe
Chairman, Hawkhurst Parish Council