Montgomery raises funds for Ukraine

Residents across the area have stepped up to help those fleeing the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and efforts in Montgomery have raised £1,500.

The return of the traditional Saturday morning coffee mornings at the Town Hall has created an opportunity to raise money and last Saturday the town came together to dig deep.

Organised by the Town Council, the morning included a sealed bids auction co-ordinated by local artist Josette Gresty who had gathered a range of beautifully crafted items generously donated by herself and fellow artists and makers.

Visitors enjoyed the spread of delicious home-baked cakes and pastries and a grand raffle run by the Town Crier, and were able to purchase unique Okami Makes origami cards from 11-year-old Jenny Bailey-Beech (pictured).

Outside, in front of the Town Hall and in glorious spring sunshine, beneath the fluttering Ukrainian and Welsh flags (pictured), Monty Folk played a variety of tunes throughout the morning. Their busking resulted in more generous donations.

The town was delighted to welcome its newest residents to the event - a family escaped from war-torn Ukraine who are staying with a Montgomery host family. They were joined by another family being hosted in Bishop’s Castle.

“Thanks to the generosity of those attending, the Town Council have raised well over £1,500 which will be split between Médecins Sans Frontières working in Ukraine and the Red Cross supporting refugee camps in eastern Hungary where the town has links with the Mayor and Council of Kunàgota,” said a spokesperson.