Posted on 7th Mar
Children in the Shirebrook area are being urged to get creative and show their support for Ukraine after the invasion by Russia with a display of posters.
A special bubble launch and display competition and event is being held on Sunday to show the community is standing with Ukraine – and hopes to raise money for victims of the war.
Organisers Nikki Morton and Natalie Bevan, from A&N Hair Extensions and Beauty in the town, are being backed by other businesses, schools and nurseries as they ask children to make colourful posters that will go on display at the top of the Rocklands on Carter Lane.
The young people’s creations are being put up this week – some are already on display – and on Sunday they will be judged by the vicar of Holy Trinity Church at 1pm, with prizes for the best three. Then bubbles will be released while children hold a yellow or blue balloon (the colours of Ukraine’s flag) followed by a one-minute applause.
There will be face painting of the Ukraine flag for 50p from 12.30pm onwards at Rocklands and balloons and bubbles can be collected from BLAST or Rocklands.
Volunteers will be collecting donations in buckets and all money raised will be donated to an appeal for the victims of the war. A fire engine from the town’s Fire Station will be in attendance for youngsters to have a look at. The event is open to everyone.
Shirebrook community group BLAST is also heavily involved in the project and will be hosting a free craft workshop on Friday, from 5.30pm-7pm.
Nikki and Natalie said: “Let’s make this display as big and as beautiful as possible to show our support. We stand by 
, no more war.”
Youngsters should put their posters/artwork (with their name and address on the back) inside a poly pocket to protect it from the weather, attach it to a stick and push into the ground at Rocklands.
People can collect bubbles and balloons for children at 76 Carter Lane before 12.45pm on Sunday.
Businesses helping the event include AJS Party Decor, L&Rs Gifts of the Gab and Greetings card shop.
First prize in the competition is sponsored by Rachel Whatmore and Anne Turnball, of L&R Gifts of the Gab, second prize by David Gascoigne, and third prize by Julie Williams, Wendy Garratt and Phil Garratt.
BLAST said: “This is an opportunity for all the children within the community to create their own special artwork to lift spirits and demonstrate support.
“So parents, grandparents etc, it’s time to get the crayons and paints out. Better yet, bring them to us at Blast. They still get all the fun, but we tidy all the mess. We have a free craft workshop on Friday, from 5.30pm- 7pm.
“Then from 11.30am on Sunday BLAST would like to invite you to join us for refreshments and to meet up before heading up to the display.
“We’d love to see as much of the community turn out as possible, united in our compassion. Let’s work together to show our support for all of those suffering in Ukraine. We stand with Ukraine, no more war.”
