Ukraine in thoughts of Kidwelly during 11.11. service

SCHOOLCHILDREN from around Kidwelly came together today for a service in St Mary’s Church at 11am on the 11th of the 11th.

The service was conducted by Canon Bryan Witt who reminded the children of the ongoing war in Ukraine. There was a home made Ukrainian flag with the words Freedom, Peace, Hope and Prayers in front of the candle of peace. A very poignant reminder of the suffering and loss of life as well as a beacon of hope for an end to war.

Canon Witt said that there were at least 4 Ukrainian families living in Kidwelly and that war would be all to familiar to them. There will be another service on Sunday beginning at 9:45 am which Canon Witt said should be full.

Just up the road at the war memorial a small group of people had gathered to pay their respects including former service men and women. The Reverend Roger Morley-Jones led the service and again, made reference to the war in Ukraine and the fact that we were now witnessing ships being blown out of the water in our front rooms. The reverend reminded people of the sacrifices made to protect our country and offered prayers for those who had fought and died in War and those who survived and members of their families. There was a minutes silence followed by the Lord’s Prayer.

At the local Cop store John and Ron, veterans themselves were selling poppies at their stall. They were surrounded by tributes placed by the store staff, which included a tree of poppies and silhouettes of soldiers. Both men said they were hoping for Peace and said that the people of Kidwelly had been very generous in supporting the appeal.

Listen to the service here.