Gift of a generator

A HELP group based in Gallowstree Common donated a diesel generator to provide heat for people affected by the war in Ukraine.

Ukraine Chain was set up by Rev Dr James Mather, of Horsepond Road, to get people who cross the border into Romania into a safe home by forming relationships with governmental and non-governmental organisations and people with useful resources.

The group also helped to cut down 32 cubic metres of firewood in Ukraine in November for the 22 people who are living in the church in the village of Ciudei, which has 25 other residents.

It then raised £800 to send the diesel generator there from Romania.

Dr Mather said: “The heating system in the church has a wood-burning furnace and a circulating pump for heating water but power cuts are very, very frequent and they can’t get the place warm between power cuts.

“They not only need a huge amount of firewood but also electric power from the generator to circulate heating and for lighting.”