An exhibition and church service are among the events planned when Ukrainian families will join people across Watford and the country to mark the anniversary of the war in Ukraine on Friday.

Starting at 11am with a national minute’s silence followed by the raising of the Ukrainian Flag at the Town Hall, the focus will switch to Watford Central Library and the Peace Memorial before a special service is held at St Mary's Church.

The day of support is being hosted by the Watford FC Former Players Club through their Ukraine project the Sunflower Social Club.

This initiative was established by Lauren Fox, the partner of Watford legend Luther Blissett, and works with Watford Borough Council and Herts County Council, and experts and community partners nationally and locally to provide support and help maintain cultural identity, as well as providing personal support where necessary to refugees from the conflict.

Watford Observer:

“The key to any understanding is to listen and walk in the other person’s shoes,” said Luther. “From the moment of invasion my partner was talking with people in Ukraine, Poland and nationally to deliver the right support at the right time.

“I was able to use my influence to bring together volunteers and support from what we call ‘Gamechangers’ - those who get behind communities in the way that Graham Taylor OBE taught us as footballers to live our lives.

“I will never forget that the people of Watford gave me my career and this town always has community at its heart. You see that highlighted when I am working with our mayor, Peter Taylor, and the many amazing community groups that exist.

“The support the Sunflower Social Club project has been given by people across the county and the support we can deliver as a result is incredible.”

The mayor said: “This national moment of reflection will offer the UK public the chance to pay tribute to the courage of the Ukrainian people and demonstrate the UK’s unwavering solidarity with the country.

“This is not just a war in which innocent people are being killed and injured, it’s also an attack on democratic values. As public officials and members of the local community, we stand with mayors, councillors and every person elected to office in Ukraine that is unable to fulfil their democratic duties.

“I am grateful for the response of so many people in Watford, who continue to make donations and contributions to help those in need in Ukraine, especially to Goods for Good, Watford & Three Rivers Trust and Luther Blissett. They have helped welcome arrivals from Ukraine to our town and with vital goods that have been sent to Ukraine.”

The full timetable of events on Friday is as follows:

  • 11am – National minute of silence to honour all those affected by the ongoing war.
  • 11.01 – Raising of the Ukrainian Flag at the Town Hall with the mayor of Watford Peter Taylor, deputy mayor Aga Dychton and Luther Blissett OBE DL.
  • 1pm to 6pm – Watford Central Library will be a hosting ‘Ukraine in my heart’, an exhibition giving visitors the opportunity to appreciate art, learn about Ukrainian culture through crafts and food, whilst also connecting with the community. It will be showcasing artwork from children who are still in Ukraine and will offer the unique opportunity to meet and talk to Ukrainian families.
  • 6.15pm – ‘Service of unity’ held at Peace Memorial remembering loved ones in Ukraine with a candlelit vigil, readings and the national anthem of Ukraine. There will then be a candlelit procession to St Mary’s Church.
  • 6.45pm – ‘Ukraine in our hearts’ service at St Mary’s Church, will feature music and songs by acclaimed Ukrainian artists.

People are invited to join the ceremony and reflect on the past year and show their support for the Ukrainian community. Information on how to support the crisis and make a donation can also be found at https://www.watford.gov.uk/watford-welcomes-people-ukraine-1