A special concert, to raise funds for victims of the conflict in Ukraine will be held in Keyworth, next month. Taking part will be the Keyworth Choir, members of the Keyworth Guitar Club and other musicians from the village.
The concert is the idea of retired BBC journalist Chris Mills, who’s lived in Keyworth for more than 30 years. He said: ”I was so disgusted by the unwarranted Russian invasion of Ukraine, and the catastrophic events which followed, that I felt I had to do something to help.”
His wife, Paulina, has relatives in western Ukraine but, so far, they have not been directly affected by the fighting.
Chris put together a team of like-minded people, with the two-fold aim of demonstrating support for Ukraine and raising much needed cash for humanitarian relief.
Children from the Ukrainian Cultural Association in Nottingham, wearing traditional clothing, will sing to begin the concert in Keyworth Village Hall at 8 pm on Saturday 9th April.
They’ll be accompanied by Mike Holod, chair of the centre, who said: ”The Russian invasion of Ukraine is an assault on a democratic, freedom loving nation that wants nothing more than to be a positive force for good as part of the EU and NATO.”
Among the performers, on the night, will be Keyworth publisher, Brian Lund, who founded the village’s popular guitar club nearly 11 years ago.
Since then he’s raised about £10,000 for worthy causes, by busking on the streets of Nottingham, West Bridgford and Keyworth.
Brian said: ”I believe this concert is an effective way of helping people trapped in a desperate situation. We can do it, so we should.”
Rushcliffe MP, Ruth Edwards, will be attending the event, with her husband, Owen. She said: “This concert is just an example of how the people of Rushcliffe have opened their hearts to the people of Ukraine. My thoughts are with the Ukrainian people and their president, whose defiance, courage, and patriotism in the face of Russia’s aggression is heroic. I encourage everyone to buy a ticket and come along to support.”
Performers and members of the audience are being asked to wear blue and yellow items of clothing: the colours of the Ukrainian flag.”
All the money raised will go to the Disasters Emergency Committee Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal. Tickets for the concert, at £5 apiece, will be on sale at Storeys Hardware and Flowers on Main Street in Keyworth.
