Southwell couple organises Clap for Ukraine initiative

After witnessing the USA withdraw their support for Ukraine, a couple in Southwell have decided to take action and are urging others to do the same.

Simon Hollingsworth and his partner, Catherine Wilson, of Southwell, are inviting the community to stand on their doorstep on Sunday (March 9) at 7pm and clap for Ukraine.

The idea follows the news that US President Donald Trump has suspended all military aid for Ukraine.

Catherine believes that clapping will show support to the people but also make enough noise to “tell our leaders loud and clear that we stand together against tyranny and bullies.”

She added: “A few individuals have great power but it doesn't mean that we have none.

“We have the power to show our individual support for those who live in Ukraine, their leaders and those who have fled their country and to let them know that the leaders of the USA do not speak for us.

“That doesn't take a politician. That just takes us.”

In 2022, when the government’s Homes for Ukraine project started, the couple hosted a mother with her two daughters, who the couple have said are in support of the initiative and remain in regular contact.

Catherine said that they initially considered organising as a protest, however it would take weeks to organise and she is a firm believer that the actions need to happen now.

She said: “This feels like the right thing to do and I know that clapping might sound silly, but it is about showing the support and if someone feels supported with this, then we have already taken a few steps and might inspire others to do the same.

“I just knew that I couldn’t sit back and stay in the bedroom, we had to do something and if you don’t do anything at all, then nothing will change — but if you do, you never know, it might change something.”

The couple has been talking to friends and neighbours and the landlord from the Old Coach House in Southwell has agreed to join the initiative, as well as other members of the community, which they described as being quite ‘overwhelming’.

The Southwell couple are appealing to everyone to share the message with their friends, family, neighbours, communities, groups, pubs and anyone who might be able to help and join to show their support.