Local group hosts trip to The Ice Cream Farm for Ukrainian families

Families who fled the war in Ukraine and found refuge in Cheshire were treated to a day out at The Ice Cream Farm by local village group the Marbury Belles.

The Tattenhall family attraction hosted 29 refugees, including 18 children, for a free day out; organised by the group from Marbury who had set themselves a mission to give Ukrainian children exciting school holiday experiences over the summer.  

“As the atrocities in Ukraine unfolded, our little group came together to see what help we could provide to Ukrainian families who may find themselves settled in our region,” said Marbury Belle Kathy Johnson.  

“We decided to do some fundraising and started with the classic coffee morning at our village hall, managing to raise a staggering £690. Our village Jubilee party then raised another £150. We have since received donations from Whitchurch Rotary Club and St John’s Church in Whitchurch, taking us to over £1,000.” 

Deciding where best to allocate the money, the Marbury Belles contacted the Malpas Hub, a group of Ukrainian refugee hosts who had come together as a network to discuss their own individual experiences, as well as share ideas and information about visa applications, schooling, GP registration, benefits, employment etc.  

“The Hub was able to identify an immediate need for funding for school uniforms and so that is where we started,” said Mrs Johnson. “Concerns were then raised by The Hub as to what was going to happen to the children during the summer break and how they were going to be occupied.” 

“So we decided to arrange one trip per week during the school holidays to local attractions,” said fellow Marbury Belle Julia Black. “Our aim was to allow the children to come together and meet each other whilst having a fun day out. We also extended the invitation to the hosts and their children.” 

The group reached out first to The Ice Cream Farm in Tattenhall, which was quick to offer them a free day out. 

“The Ice Cream Farm is all about making memories as a family,” said CEO Jonathan Fell. “So we were delighted to give these children, their loved ones and hosts an opportunity to do exactly that. It was so rewarding to hear the group’s response on what a fantastic day they’d had with us.” 

“It was great to see the children laughing and enjoying themselves together,” added Mrs Black. “The feedback was tremendous and The Ice Cream Farm couldn't have been more accommodating to our Ukrainian guests. 

“We’d also like to thank the The Malpas Community Mini Bus who supported our trip by providing transport at minimal cost.” 

The group included 18 children aged from three to 14-years-old, alongside their parents and some host families.

Pictured - Marbury Belles visit to The Ice Cream Farm.