Ukrainian twinning celebration for Malvern

We have played a crucial role in organising a twin town relationship with a Ukrainian city.  

We worked with the Ukrainian community in Malvern – as well as other local groups – to bring about the town’s twinning with the city of Korosten in the north of Ukraine.  

More than 400 Ukrainians – including several from Korosten – have been welcomed into the communities around Malvern, with many of them now living in our homes.  

Chris Reed, our Community Investment Project Manager said: “We would like to say a huge thank you to our Community Builder Elaine Fraser who has played a pivotal role in bringing about the twin town relationship.  Elaine has provided tremendous support to Ukrainian residents and is held in very high regard by them.”  

Elaine’s post is funded by Malvern Hills District Council through Homes for Ukraine funding.  

The twinning was marked with a launch earlier this month which included a recorded message from the Mayor of Korosten, a welcome speech from the Mayor of Malvern, children from Malvern’s Ukrainian school dancing, as well as a virtual tour of Ukraine and a saxophone performance from members of the Ukrainian community.  Refreshments included Ukrainian cakes.  

Chris concluded: “The twinning is a celebration of the relationship between Malvern and the Ukrainian people it has welcomed, as well as being a symbol of hope that in the future people from Malvern will be able to visit Korosten to further develop these links.  Thanks to everyone who made this happen and came along to what was a very moving and positive event.”  

Every September, Korosten hosts an International Potato Pancakes Festival.   

Photo caption : l to r, Ohla Kraieska, Ukrainian Officer, Malvern Town Council; Emma Green, Malvern Town Councillor; Elaine Fraser, Community Builder at Platform Housing Group and Liza Kraieska, volunteer.