Young musicians stand by Ukraine in Bishop's Stortford

A concert for Ukraine in Bishop’s Stortford raised more than £670 for humanitarian relief.

The event at All Saints Church on Sunday (Feb 26) was organised by Latvian piano, violin and viola tutor Natalia Varkentin and Bishop's Stortford and Satellite Rotarians.

Natalia’s music students, the youngest of whom was five and including several from Ukraine, performed.

One of the organisers, Colin Woodward, said: “Natalia herself played a very moving Ave Maria on violin. At the end we had a group photo with Union and Ukrainian flags combined to Stand by Ukraine.”

He thanked the vicar, Father Simon Mansfield, and the congregation of All Saints for free use of the church and for opening its bar, The Lord’s Tavern, during the interval.

Mr Woodward said that Rotary also donated £200 towards refreshments after a service at the Methodist Church by Ukrainian refugees on Saturday (Feb 25) and was ready to donate more as plans for a cultural centre are developed.

Donations can be made to Rotary Club Bishop's Stortford Charities: account 44503776, sort code 60-02-36, reference UKRSAT/your name.