A Memorable Afternoon at St Mary's

On a Sunday afternoon in March, the ancient walls of St Mary's Stelling were filled with something truly wonderful. The Canterbury 4 Ukraine (C4U) Ladies' Choir brought their Songs from Home concert to our village, and it proved to be one of the most moving and memorable events our church has hosted in recent times.

The choir is part of the C4U (Canterbury for Ukraine) Charity, which has supported Ukrainian families settling in East Kent since the full-scale Russian invasion in 2022. Founded that same spring by Olena Nizalova, the choir has grown under the musical direction of local residents Joanna and David Chapman, with accordionist Andrew Hedges adding an authentically Ukrainian flavour to the accompaniments.

What struck many in the audience was the dual purpose at the heart of the

performance. This is a choir that sings not only to share Ukraine's rich folk and

musical traditions, but to sustain one another through unimaginable hardship.

Their repertoire - ranging from traditional folk songs to contemporary pieces, with a

handful of English songs woven in - carried both joy and quiet resilience in equal

measure.

The choir has performed at Canterbury and Rochester Cathedrals, and on 3 occasions has sung for Ukrainian troops training in Britain under the 'Operation Interflex' programme. That St Mary's could welcome them into our more modest but no less sacred space felt like a genuine privilege.

Home-baked Ukrainian savouries, pastries and cakes were baked by the ladies of the choir and these were served and thoroughly enjoyed after the concert.

£1000 was raised for the Choir’s charity and a further £375 to boost church funds!

St Mary's peaceful rural setting proved, if anything, the perfect place to reflect on the courage and cultural vitality these women represent. We are grateful to the choir for choosing our church, and to all who came and gave so generously.