Dyma Ni Ukraine

Dyma Ni Ukraine / Wcrain

Dyma Ni Ukraine (DNU) is a project of Croeso Menai, dedicated to supporting Ukrainian refugees living locally. It began in response to Russia’s unprovoked full-scale invasion of Ukraine on 24th February 2022, and following the UK Government’s creation of a visa scheme for Ukrainians. The group’s ‘home’ on arrival was, and remains, the Quaker Meeting House in Bangor.

In the first year, a group of some forty well-trained volunteers from the local community hosted twice-a-week meetings offering help with many practical matters and English language, hospitality and a chat to around 100 refugees. Within less than a year attendance diminished, indicating that our Ukrainian friends had been finding their feet in the community through study and work. However, some demand remains and the hub continues. Sessions are now once a fortnight in term-time.

At present, DNU’s role is to:
  • Continue the tradition for those who still value the old-style regular drop-in sessions
  • Support cultural activities through which the Ukrainians raise funds to directly help Ukrainians in Ukraine
  • Support local Ukrainians to promote their culture and keep the Ukrainian cause in the public’s hearts and minds
  • Enable local Ukrainians to give back to and enhance the life of the local community
  • Serve as a contact point for those in the wider community who are interested in the local Ukrainian group
  • Participate in local Refugee Week activities, in collaboration with other Croeso Menai projects

Activities/Events

Cymru ac Wcrain Music Project

DNU supports the Cymru ac Wcrain Music Project run by Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias Centre. The project started in 2024 and explores the similarities and differences between the two cultures through education and entertainment. For more details see: https://cgwm.org.uk/en/ukraine-2/.

Brava Musicians

A group of amateur musicians has been developing an artistic programme and identity. Formerly Vesnyanky, their name is Brava. They chose this name to mark praise for Ukraine and its defenders. The word can mean ‘brave’ or ‘angry’, also ‘well done’, as in ‘Bravo!’. The group chose this name for all these associations.

Brava sports wonderful Ukrainian costumes, props and voices. They have been building a repertoire of traditional and modern Ukrainian songs and are happy to perform at new venues and community events. Since late 2024, they have performed in Bangor, Llandudno, Penmaenmawr, Llanfairfechan, Caernarfon, Prestatyn and Llanrwst, raising significant funds, which they send directly to those in need of mainly medical supplies in Ukraine.

The Spirit of Ukraine North Wales

The Spirit of Ukraine North Wales (Ysbryd Wcráin Gogledd Cymru) is a bigger group, partly overlapping with Brava in membership. They give informative and poignant word-and-music presentations on Ukrainian history and culture, raise money for Ukraine and sell authentic Ukrainian souvenirs and food. Venues have included Bangor, Llandudno, Prestatyn, Conwy and Llanrwst .

Harpist Veronika Lemishenko

Veronika Lemishenko has been associated for many years with the Wales International Harp Festival in Caernarfon. Since the outbreak of the full-scale Russian war on Ukraine, she has been visiting her mother, who is a refugee locally, while at the same time performing thank-you and fund-raising recitals and benefit concerts, including joining forces with the late Huw Roberts and the Ynys Mon Triple Harpists in Cemaes, and with Elinor Bennett at Bangor University.
For more details see: https://veronika-lemishenko.com/en/.

Local Ukrainian Artists

Among DNU friends and associates is a family of artists.
Alla Chakir (https://www.instagram.com/chakir_arts/)
Oleksandra Davydenko and Roman Nedopaka (https://www.instagram.com/oleksandra_art_studio/)
have been exhibiting locally since their arrival in North Wales
in 2022, including at Oriel Môn.

Trident {Ukraine} Aid

This is an organisation with personal connections to Dyma Ni Ukraine, who regularly drive a supply truck to various locations/communities in Ukraine, including the front line. https://www.facebook.com/groups/650449597302373/

If you would like to find out more about hosting or collaborating an event, please contact Croeso Menai – info@croesomenai.org.uk