C4U Ladies’ Choir bringing the Spirit of Home to Ukrainian Defenders

Our C4U Ladies’ Choir — formed of Ukrainian women displaced by Russia’s war, who’ve found refuge in Canterbury and East Kent — had the honour of visiting Ukrainian servicemen for the second time. These brave soldiers are training in the UK under Operation Interflex.

This special event was filled with unity, gratitude, and inspiration.

The concert began with each choir member introducing herself and naming her hometown — Dnipro, Donetsk, Enerhodar, Zhytomyr, Zaporizhzhia, Kyiv, Kryvyi Rih, Luhansk, Mykolaiv, Odesa, Poltava, Sumy, Kharkiv, Chernivtsi, Chernihiv, and others.

It was a deeply emotional moment — as if all of Ukraine, wounded yet resilient, was present together in one room.

Following heartfelt words of thanks and solidarity for our servicemen, the singing commenced. Our C4U Ladies’ Choir performed traditional, contemporary and patriotic Ukrainian songs.

The soldiers stood, sang along, placed hands on hearts and applauded — the hall resonated with a spirit of profound unity and brotherhood.

During the interval, we treated our defenders to homemade Ukrainian delicacies. The table featured an array of treats: poppy seed rolls, homemade biscuits, Lviv-style cheesecake, honey cake, apple and cabbage pies, sweet rolls, traditional Easter cheese cake (paska), grated pie, apple charlotte and chocolate tortes — all lovingly prepared with immense gratitude by our choir members and the wonderful ladies of the Young at Heart Club.

We are endlessly thankful to the servicemen for their warm welcome. If we managed to bring even a moment of comfort to their hearts — then our journey was worthwhile.

Among our distinguished guests was Councillor Connie Nolan, C4U trustee, who remarked: “It was an honour to be part of the visit with the C4U Ladies’ Choir as they sang and inspired the Ukrainian soldiers. It was a real pleasure to see and hear their reaction to the songs from home.”

Brigadier (Ret’d) Peter Gilbert QVRM TD DL VR also shared his reflections:

Finally, words that touched us deeply from a Ukrainian serviceman with the callsign Marik: “The emotions are outstanding, we’re truly impressed to see Ukrainians in Great Britain who visited us and created a real celebration. With treats, festivities, and songs. I think my comrades will be very moved. And this will lift their spirits for their upcoming basic combat training. They will overcome their obstacles with inspiration and emotion. Peace. First of all, I want to wish everyone the swiftest peace possible. This is the number one dream for all Ukrainians. Patience. And victory. And it will come soon.”