Ongar holds candlelit vigil for Ukraine
Prayers were said and candles were lit to show support for the people of Ukraine.
The event was organised by Ongar and Rural county councillor Jaymey McIvor (Photo credit: Everything Epping Forest/Everything Local News)
Submitted by Jaymey McIvor
Ongar residents came out in force to show their support for the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Ukraine.
Local supporters, including church representatives and town and district councillors, attended the candlelit vigil which had been organised by Ongar and Rural county councillor Jaymey McIvor.
Councillor McIvor laid a wreath with Ongar town councillor Derek Birch at the gathering and prayers were said by St Martin's Ongar with St Peter's Shelley rector Rev'd Noelle Taylor and Rev Stuart Gibbs, priest-in-charge at St Mary's Church, High Ongar.
Speaking about the vigil in Ongar, Essex, councillor McIvor said: "I'd like to thank all the residents and community stakeholders in Ongar who showed their support to Ukraine in numbers. It was quite emotional to see how much this community cares and Ongar has been a huge contributor to the support for Ukraine since the crisis began.
"Tonight's showing of solidarity and unity in our community sends a very strong message to the people of Ukraine - a message that we care, that they are in our thoughts and that we are united against all evil and aggression being shown to the people of Ukraine.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with all of the people in Ukraine, those fleeing the country and those fighting against evil."
A collection was also held for the district's fundraising appeal for medical supplies for Ukraine which is being coordinated by Epping Forest District Council.
Get all the latest news, updates, things to do and more from Ongar's dedicated InYourArea feed.
