A group of around 50 volunteers gathered at the weekend to make trench candles to help the war effort in Ukraine. Ukrainians from the local community, along with their supporters and allies, met at the Woodley Scout Hall and worked enthusiastically at a range of tasks in the production process, which involved re-purposing empty food tins by stuffing them with corrugated cardboard then filling them with melted wax. The resulting candles are an effective and efficient source of both heat and light for the frontline troops in Ukraine, especially during the long winter months. There is plenty of evidence that the candles are greatly needed and valued by the soldiers. All ages took part in the candle-making workshop, and there was a separate area where children could make drawings to accompany the candles.
A grand total of 385 trench candles were made by the group. These were delivered to New Forest For Ukraine and Aid Ukraine, two aid organisations based in Lymington, to be loaded onto one of their regular overland transports to Ukraine where they are sent directly to the frontline.
Commenting on the event, Roland Matthews, one of the organisers, said: “This was the first time we had tried to make these candles in bulk so we were delighted with the public response and are very grateful to everyone who took part. At a time when our thoughts have been focused on the casualties of war with the Remembrance Day commemorations, it has felt appropriate to be involved with an activity which offers some relief from the hardships experienced by those fighting right now to preserve our freedom.”
The Romsey Ukraine Support Group plans to run another candle-making workshop early in the New Year. Please contact Roland Matthews, roljmat@gmail.com, 01794 518275, if you want to find out more or can offer help.
