Colden Common for Ukraine welcomes Steve Brine MP to coffee and cake meetup

On Saturday, October 8, Steve Brine MP joined the Colden Common for Ukraine group for a long-awaited get-together at the parish's community centre, meeting many residents he had helped navigate the visa process under the Homes for Ukraine scheme.

Formed soon after Putin's attempted invasion began in February as a way of connecting hosts and refugees, the group has since organised several events to help settle the Ukrainians into Hampshire life.

Over the summer organisers took people to West Wittering beach using the Colden Common minibus and hosted a BBQ where many of the children had their first chance to mingle and play in months. 

One of its founding members, Marilyn Taylor, also shared her birthday with Ukraine's Independance Day on August 24, throwing a party in dual celebration.

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Speaking after the event on Saturday, she said: "All of us appreciated Steve visiting our group and for his support to our Ukrainian guests and their hosts. He took time to speak to everyone."

Mr Brine was joined by his son, William, who made friends with a number of the Ukranian boys.

Hosts Adelaide and Chris Morris, who Mr Brine helped with their guests' applications, were also in attendance. They said: "It was good to be able to thank Steve in person for the support his team gave us and our guests in getting their visas."

Mr Brine added: “I’ve been meeting up individually with our Ukranian guests regularly since they started arriving in Winchester, but this was a lovely big gathering and a great chance to meet those living in Colden Common as well as thank their hosts. It was really nice to put faces to names and hear news of their progress.

“My team and I are still doing a fair amount of casework to help those fleeing the war and iron out various problems once they’re here.”