Burnham becomes first Essex town to twin with Ukrainian Yaremche

Summarised from 4 outlets · Updated 13 Nov, 08:27 · Archive

Burnham-on-Crouch has become the first town in Essex to officially twin with Yaremche in western Ukraine. The partnership was confirmed during dual ceremonies in both towns on 12 November, with dignitaries from each location broadcast online to one another.

The twinning was inspired by independent councillor Stephen Stratton, who spent six months volunteering for humanitarian efforts in Ukraine. Burnham mayor Doug Bown said he was looking forward to exchanging ideas with his new partners and praised Stratton for putting forward and promoting the proposal.

The two towns have similar populations and geographical size. Burnham had 8,852 residents according to the 2021 Census, while Yaremche had 7,907 in 2022. Yaremche is located in western Ukraine, an area described as relatively safer than other parts of the country and known for its mountains, waterfalls and tourism.

Anna Antonenko, a Ukrainian national who left Kyiv for Maldon after Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022, welcomed the partnership. She said she was 'so happy' about the twinning and described Yaremche as a 'beautiful' place. Antonenko praised the people of Burnham for their welcoming attitude, saying they 'make you feel like part of a family'.

Dignitaries hoped the relationship would help to forge stronger cultural and economic ties between the communities, encompassing culture, traditions, business and sport, as well as potentially creating opportunities for children. The twinning is intended to offer solidarity to those affected by the conflict in Ukraine.

Burnham becomes first Essex town to twin with Ukrainian Yaremche — Image: BBC Essex

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How it is being reported

Essex town becomes first to twin with UkraineBurnham-on-Crouch is beginning a new relationship with the Ukrainian town of Yaremche.BBC Essex · 13 Nov, 08:01
'Forever grateful' - First Essex town officially twins with Ukrainian communityA Ukrainian woman who fled the war has praised the “family” welcome she received in Essex as Burnham begins a friendship with a Ukrainian townColchester Gazette · 12 Nov, 13:01
'Forever grateful': First Essex town officially twins with Ukrainian communityA Ukrainian woman who fled the war has praised the “family” welcome she received in Essex as Burnham begins a friendship with a Ukrainian townBrentwood Guardian · 12 Nov, 12:01
'Forever grateful': First Essex town officially twins with Ukrainian communityA Ukrainian woman who fled the war has praised the “family” welcome she received in Essex as Burnham begins a friendship with a Ukrainian townEcho (Basildon) · 12 Nov, 12:01

In this story: Burnham-on-Crouch · Yaremche · Anna Antonenko · Stephen Stratton · Doug Bown · Ukraine · Kyiv · Maldon

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