A meeting tonight at the Stamford Arts Centre marks a step forward in the initiative to twin Stamford with the Ukranian city of Gostomel (Hostomel).
Plans to twin the Ukrainian city of Gostomel are expected to move a step closer this evening with a meeting being held in the Arts Centre gallery at 6pm , ahead of the showing of a documentary about the heroes of Ukraine.
Gostomel was the location of the first battle of Ukraine and much of the centre of the city was destroyed. Natalia Yakovleva, from Gostomel, is leading the twinning initiative and also made the documentary. She says the city has been damaged several time throughout the conflict so far:
“It’s a similar size [to Stamford] and also an old place, but it has been destroyed more than three times because of war” says Natalia. Due to its proximity to Kiev, Gostomel occupies a key location in the Russian offensive in Ukraine. It was one of the first cities that Russian forces encountered in 2022.
To hear more of the interview with Natalia, and for the morning's news bulletin and weather, please click on the Play tab.

The circus is in Stamford
Woman sentenced for causing death by careless driving
Food waste now being collected for South Kesteven residents
Weekend sports round up
Tractor run around the area
Tool donations needed
£2,200 raised for Prostrate Cancer
Rutland County Council helps to reduce loneliness & rural isolation
Illegal use of E-scooters on local roads
Low water pressure in the centre of Stamford
Winners of writing competition celebrated