Caerphilly: Ukraine refugees plant gratitude orchard to say thank you

Caerphilly's Ukrainian community at the new Ukrainian Gratitude Orchard at Morgan Jones Park — Caerphilly’s Ukrainian community at the new Ukrainian Gratitude Orchard at Morgan Jones Park

Russia’s war in Ukraine has forced around ten million Ukrainians out of their homes, and seven million of those out of their country over the past two years.

While many of these people have moved to neighbouring countries such as Poland, some have ended up moving much further afield – with more than 6,000 coming to Wales.

In total, around 120 Ukrainians have asylum in Caerphilly.

On Saturday January 27, the Ukrainians in Caerphilly came together at Morgan Jones Park to thank the community for its support since 2022.

Members of the Ukrainians in Caerphilly group, along with residents and local politicians, planted apple, pear, and cherry trees in the park to create the new Ukrainian Gratitude Orchard.

The event was attended by more than 100 people, and included Ukrainian music performances, as well as a rendition of Calon Lan from the Ukrainian choir.

Yuliia Bond, who helped organise the event, said planting the orchard was a way to “express our gratitude to Wales and the people of Wales, who warmly opened their homes and their hearts to Ukrainians”.

Yuliia Bond, left, organised the event with Lynn Gazal, centre, and Ageliki Politis

A mother-of-two, Yuliia fled her home town of Marhanets in eastern Ukraine in April 2022. Now, she plays a lead role in the Ukrainians in Caerphilly group.

Speaking to Caerphilly Observer at the event, Yuliia continued: “It really means a lot. It makes them feel more a part of the community, which is very important for displaced people.

“Many Ukrainians came here came separately and without their families and friends, so they feel quite isolated. This event is very important for Ukrainians because this way they can connect with other people.

“The planting is important because it’s something that they’re doing together – planting their roots in a symbolic way.”

She added: “The event is dedicated to the upcoming second anniversary of the Russian invasion in Ukraine. We decided to have this event a few weeks in advance because we were advised that it’s better to plant the trees in January.”

Keep Wales Tidy's Joanna Friedli and Nathan Jones — Keep Wales Tidy’s Joanna Friedli and Nathan Jones

Also involved in organising the event was Climate Action Caerphilly, as well as Keep Wales Tidy as part of its Local Places for Nature project.

Lynn Gazal, from Climate Action Caerphilly, told Caerphilly Observer: “Planting trees and planting roots can help with a sense of belonging.”

She explained that the idea behind the orchard is for the Ukrainians to leave a long-lasting thank you to the people of Caerphilly.

More than 100 people attended the tree planting event on January 27

Speeches

As the event drew to a close, local politicians and Ukrainians alike spoke about the strength of the relationship between the Ukrainian community and their Welsh hosts.

Addressing the crowd, Caerphilly’s Labour MP Wayne David highlighted Caerphilly’s record of welcoming refugees from past conflicts – including Belgian refugees during WWI, Spanish refugees from the Spanish Civil War, and Polish refugees in WWII – and now Ukrainians.

There were also speeches from Caerphilly County Borough Mayor Mike Adams, Plaid Cymru council group leader Lindsay Whittle, and Llanbradach community councillor Beci Newton.

Plaid Cymru Senedd Members Peredur Owen Griffiths and Delyth Jewell also spoke, with Ms Jewell thanking Caerphilly’s Ukrainians for “enriching our lives and our communities”.

Caerphilly MS Hefin David planted a tree

Caerphilly’s Labour MS, Hefin David, also attended and told Caerphilly Observer: “It’s important we remember the anniversary of the invasion of Ukraine – the war is ongoing and many of our new community members still have family there.

“I am grateful for the hosts who have taken people in to their homes and I’m glad that the group feel settled and welcome in Caerphilly and have built a life here.”

Other attendees included Pontypridd MS Mick Antoniw, himself of Ukrainian heritage, and Anthony Slaughter, leader of the Wales Green Party.

Council cabinet members Jamie Pritchard and Shayne Cook, who represent the Morgan Jones ward, also attended to show their support, as did Plaid Cymru councillors Charlotte Bishop and Steve Skivens.

Senedd Members Delyth Jewell, third from left, and Mick Antoniw, right

Introduction to rugby

Later that day, around 40 Ukrainians were invited to Virginia Park to watch Caerphilly RFC beat Llantwit Fardre.

They were given a warm welcome by the club, and were handed Caerphilly RFC-branded bobble hats to thank them for their support.

The event was organised by the club’s chairman, Gareth Ashman, who welcomed them alongside the WRU’s Adrian Evans.

The Ukrainians were shown a presentation introducing them to rugby, with the children taking part in rugby activities with two WRU community coaches.

Following the game, they were treated to a meal at the clubhouse with club representatives.

Councillor Shayne Cook, who is the cabinet member for housing, said: “I was approached by members of Caerphilly Rugby Club who wanted to offer Ukrainians living in Caerphilly some insight into our national sport.”

Cllr Cook, who helps arrange accommodation for Ukrainians coming into Caerphilly as part of his role, added: “I want to personally thank Gareth Ashman for all his hard work in organising such a great day.”