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21
Mar 2023
Support for plans to twin Knaresborough with town in Ukraine
Knaresborough could be twinned with a town in Ukraine in a show of support and solidarity from the town council.
Councillors last night voted in favour of writing to the mayor of Volodymyr in western Ukraine with the proposal, after a motion was put forward by Cllr David Goode.
The meeting saw a presentation by Bob Frendt, the retired lorry driver from Knaresborough who last year made six trips to deliver aid to people affected by Russia's invasion of the country.
Mr Frendt said:
Cllr Goode described Mr Frendt as a "force of nature" and said his hard work to deliver medical equipment as well as toys to Ukraine had inspired the town twinning committee to back the idea.
Mr Frendt had already broached the subject with the mayor of Volodymyr and had an enthusiastic response. Now Cllr Goode's proposal has been voted through by Knaresborough Town Council, a letter will be sent to the mayor to formalise the plans.
Read more:
- Harrogate council wins £2.5m from government to house Afghan and Ukrainian refugees
- Toys donated in Knaresborough reach Ukraine in time for Christmas
Cllr Goode said there would be some details to work out over the exact wording of the twinning agreement. If the councils in both Volodymyr and Knaresborough are happy with the wording, the twinning will be made official.
However, the arrangement is likely to be less active than the 50-year twinning agreement with Bebra in Germany, which has seen partnerships between groups including Knaresborough Silver Band, civic organisations and local schools.
Cllr Goode said:
Cllr Goode said he was hopeful Ukrainians who had moved to Knaresborough since the war began last year would be keen to get involved if the twinning project went ahead.
Meanwhile, Mr Frendt will set off on another trip to Ukraine tomorrow afternoon. He will drive his lorry through Europe to Volodymyr to deliver supplies – including 200 Easter eggs donated by people and businesses in Knaresborough.
As with previous trips, his lorry has been filled with donated medical supplies, and has raised funds to cover insurance, fuel and other expenses, as well as using his own money.
Individuals or businesses wanting to offer support can email him, or call him on 07836 514952.
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