Tintinhull Listens to Ukrainian Family’s Reality of War and New Life
On Friday evening, a Ukrainian family who now call Tintinhull home took centre stage at the village hall to share their harrowing journey from war-torn Ukraine to safety in Somerset. In front of a packed audience, they expressed deep gratitude to the local community for welcoming them while recounting how their lives were turned upside down by the Russian invasion.
As turmoil gripped the White House, residents of Tintinhull were given a raw and personal insight into the devastating impact of war through a powerful slideshow of personal photographs. The images depicted the reality of life under attack, bringing home the brutal truth of the invasion in a way no news report ever could.
The first to speak was Sergy, a devoted father of two, Katya and Denys, who stood alongside his wife Iryna. He described how his family had been forced to take cover in their basement as bombs rained down around their home near Kyiv. He recounted the painful moment when he had to stay behind as his wife and children fled to Poland, before finally being reunited with them in the UK, thanks to the generosity of a Tintinhull couple who sponsored their move.
The hall quickly filled with intrigued locals
Arriving with no English, the family has since embraced their new life, working hard to learn the language while both parents have found employment in the area. Their children, Katya and Denys, also took to the stage, bravely sharing their experiences and emotions. They spoke about adjusting to life in England, attending school, and how they now enjoy taking part in local activities.
The emotional evening ended on a heartwarming note as the family presented villagers with homemade Ukrainian dishes, lovingly prepared and served as a gesture of thanks. The event also raised donations for the Martock Foodbank, reflecting the family's desire to give back to the community that gave them a fresh start.
For those in attendance, the evening was a stark reminder of the human cost of war—but also of the resilience, strength, and gratitude of those who have been displaced. In Tintinhull, a village with a big heart, this family has found not just refuge, but a home.
Speaking after the event a local villager remarked: ' It was an amazing evening, it gave a real insight into what is going on in Ukraine, rather than what we just see on the news. To say the least, it's horrendous but it was heartwarming too to listen to such a wonderful family, who answered many questions and you could see they are so thankful to the village of Tintinhull and surrounding areas.'