A small Ukrainian community was established in Mansfield following the end of World War Two. A number who had lived in Polish territories and fought alongside the allies in the Polish forces in Exile settled in the UK through the Polish Resettlement Corps. Others, Displaced Persons in forced labour camps, arrived through the European Volunteer Workers schemes to support key industries in the UK.
In 1963 the Ukrainian social club on Nottingham Road was founded, a place to gather and celebrate, a self-made pillar of community for over 40 years.
Since the full scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, 121 Ukrainians have been sponsored by residents in the Mansfield District.
The 2022 full scale invasion of Ukraine brought a new generation of Ukrainians to the town. One of these people is Helen Martyniuk, a familiar face now at Sherwood Phoenix. She has had great musical success, and performed around the UK including on Channel 4’s The Piano.
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