Mansfield Rotary again hosted Ukrainians living across Mansfield and Ashfield to an evening of friendship and entertainment at Portland College.

It was the third time that the Nottingham Ukrainian Ensemble had joined with Mansfield Rotary to show support for those who have come to live in the community following the Russian invasion of their country in 2022.

Many of the guests were attending for the first time as the initiative extended its reach into the Ukrainian community.

A spokesman for Mansfield Rotary, which made a donation to the ensemble, told the News Journal the evening was full of passion and pride, but also sadness as everyone reflected on the circumstances that the 33 Ukrainian guests found themselves facing.

He added: “It was wonderful to see guests enjoying the music and joining in with singing songs from their homeland.”
Mansfield Rotary president Phil Lyons hosted the event and was thanked afterwards for the club’s ongoing support.

Pictured top is Nottingham Ukrainian Ensemble, which performed at the event. Below, Sue Lyalushko, of the ensemble, receives a cheque for £250 from Phil Lyons, president of Mansfield Rotary.