A VILLAGE that found its community spirit rekindled during the adversity of Storm Arwen is rallying round in a massive effort for Ukrainian refugees.
The best of the people in Woodland came to the fore last year as many residents were left without power or hot water for more than a week when Storm Arwen torn down lines and left a trail of destruction.
In its wake, however, a new social group emerged who put on a Farmer Christmas event which raised more than £2,400 split equally between Woodland Primary School and the Macmillan cancer charity.
Later, a fun run called “To The Edge and Back” was arranged which raised hundreds of pounds for the Great North Air Ambulance Service and a new committee is revitalising the village hall and putting on events.
Now the same groups are focussing their efforts to help those fleeing the war in Ukraine.
Karen Horrocks, who along with Shirley Straughan and Becky Land, co-ordinated the Farmer Christmas tractor rally, organised a collection point for items at the small chapel in the village graveyard. More than ten car boot
loads were collected in the two short hours it was open on Saturday, March 12, and again on Sunday, March 13. She has also been taking donations at her home.
Mrs Horrocks said: “The first 18 minutes of opening on Saturday it was absolutely incredible. One lady alone had done a collection at Hamsterley school.”
All of the goods were taken to the Durham To Ukraine scheme, organised by Bishop Auckland resident Jack Vincent, which set off on a convoy to the Polish border of the war-torn country on Sunday.
Mrs Horrocks said: “He has connections in Poland and Ukraine. He has links on the ground and he knows what people need. He wants things mainly medical because casualties have gone through the roof.
“It is incredible when I update the list [of what is needed] that stuff comes in.”
Already two boxes of medical items as well as two first aid kits have been donated.
She is also arranging a collection at The Edge Hotel along with a competition to guest how many yellow and blue sweets are in a jar.
For her part, Becky Land is organising a competition to name two of her new-born lambs to raise cash for the cause and To The Edge and Back organiser Tim Smith is organising a “Walk the Walk” where participants will put themselves in the shoes of refugees as they complete a 5km route along the Woodland Triangle.
Everyone who takes part in the walk on Saturday, March 26, at 10.30am, will receive a challenge event medal, which is sponsored by Durtona Kitchens and NEDS Horse Transport.
The village primary school is also taking part in a campaign by hosting a non-uniform day where children will be encouraged to wear blue and yellow.
They will also have a guess the number of sweets in a jar competition as well as a guess the name of the giant bunny fluffy toy competition.
Two pupils from the school, Luke and Abbey, used their own pocket money to buy items that are needed by the refugees – with Luke going out shopping with his dad and Abbey and her sister, Ellie, bringing medical supplies such as thermal blankets.
Of the change in the community, headteacher Clair Carr said: “The village hall is absolutely thriving at the minute.
“Every month we are sending snacks [from our kitchen] to the play group [that now operates from there].”
The new hall committee has completely redecorated the venue, the pool room has been re-plastered and plans are to install a false ceiling.
Mrs Horrocks added: “It is lovely – it is like what the village was like in the olden days.
“It makes you proud to be part of Woodland really.”
