Air Raid Siren Played in Guildford to Show Support For Ukraine

Published on: 13 Mar, 2022
Updated on: 15 Mar, 2022

By Hugh Coakley

Around 25 people gathered under the Tunsgate arch today (Sunday, March 13) for a one minute silence in support of the people of Ukraine.

A one-minute vigil was held to the sound of an air raid siren being played

With Ukrainian flags flying on the castle, at St Nicolas Church and other civic buildings, an air raid siren recording was played to the small crowd reminding them of the suffering of the innocent civilians in the war-ravaged country.

It was a sobering and moving moment to realise this was now a daily reality in many cities in Ukraine.

Ukrainian flag over Guildford’s castle.

“It is hard to believe it is happening,” said Will Cohen who attended with his two small children. “I work with some people based in Kyiv. Any conflict which involves civilians is the pits. Ukraine is a punchbag between Europe and Russia.”

Another attendee, Jose Sallaes, said he was there to show people cared. He said: “There are two sides. One is the war and the other is the people. They should solve this with diplomacy, not killing.”

Solar Sisters were selling sunflower linoprints with all money to be donated to DEC Ukrainian Appeal.

Organiser Stuart ‘Big Mouth’ Alexander, who had called for the demonstration of support, said: “As usual when Guildford Is asked to help, we do. We can feel helpless but the people in Ukraine are not forgotten.”

Maddie Redpath (R4GV, Holy Trinity) said: “Well done to Stuart Alexander (Big Mouth Guildford) for organising a vigil to show Guildford’s solidarity with the people of Ukraine.

“As many residents would have noticed now, the Ukrainian flag is flying from Millmead, the Castle (also lit up in yellow and blue) and the Guildhall.

“GBC has reviewed all our financial links and found that there aren’t any with either Russia or Belarus. Surrey Pension Fund has also suspended any further investment into countries.

“I would strongly urge people to donate money, rather than items, to Ukraine as the needs of the refugees change rapidly. Residents can donate here: https://www.dec.org.uk/appeal/ukraine-humanitarian-appeal”

David Payne set up his stall at the bottom of North Street to help direct people who wanted to donate to Ukraine through to existing charities. See advice on safe giving in Dragon article.