Ukrainian Icons on Ammunition Cases displayed in Higham

Representing Kent With Ukraine, Cllr Jordan Meade and Cllr Helen Ashenden had the profound joy of attending the Community Christmas Carol Concert at St John’s Church, Higham, last night.

Jordan extends his sincere thanks to The Reverend Canon Clive Jones for his remarkable support, and for providing the opportunity to host the inaugural exhibition of the Ukrainian Icons on Ammunition Cases in Kent. This was the first time these sacred works have been displayed in the county, and it was deeply moving to witness members of the local community standing before them in quiet, thoughtful reflection as the service concluded.

These icons are not simply works of art. They are carefully painted by Ukrainian hands on discarded ammunition cases taken from the frontline. Each one tells the modern war story in a language that goes far beyond politics or headlines. In Jordan’s address to the congregation, he spoke of how these icons carry with them the smoke, the dust, the pain, and the prayers of the Ukrainian people — a nation enduring extraordinary hardship, even as the world prepares to celebrate Christmas.

As the congregation sang the familiar carol “Away in a Manger,” and looked upon icons of Madonna and Child, one line struck Jordan with particular force: “Bless all the dear children in Thy tender care.” His thoughts immediately turned to the more than twenty thousand Ukrainian children who have been torn from their families and abducted into Russia since the invasion began.

It is vital, Jordan stressed, that these children remain in the prayers of people across Kent and beyond. They will not wake on Christmas morning in the arms of their parents, and this war crime should weigh heavily on the conscience of the international community. As Christmas week begins, Jordan hopes the plight of these #StolenChildren will encourage more people to keep Ukraine close in their hearts, minds, and prayers.

For Ukrainians, this is the fourth winter of brutal aggression — endured under constant bombardment, power outages, devastating loss, and unimaginable hardship. And yet, despite everything they face, their courage remains unbroken.

The village of Higham has not been silent in the face of that suffering. The steadfast support of the community has enabled Kent With Ukraine to send a fully equipped fire engine to a village in the north of the Chernihiv region last week. Jordan will also be returning to Ukraine in the coming weeks to personally deliver gifts gathered by Higham Primary School to Higham’s twin village of Novyi Bilous.

Jordan also paid tribute to the Knit and Natter group at St John’s Church, whose incredible handmade knitwear will be delivered directly to communities in need. These items represent far more than practical support — they are a tangible expression of warmth, solidarity, and love from Higham to Ukraine.

Last night’s service and exhibition served as a powerful reminder of how fortunate people in Kent are to live under peaceful skies. It also reinforced the responsibility to stand with those who do not, and made Jordan proud that the people of Higham continue to do everything they can to support Ukraine during this critical period.

Jordan also expressed a special thanks to Cllr Derek Ashenden and Helen Ashenden, who made the exhibition possible by driving with him all the way to Cambridge to collect the icons and bring them to Kent.

As Christmas approaches, Jordan hopes the people of Kent will continue to hold Ukraine firmly in their prayers — and remain steadfast in the shared belief that peace, justice, and freedom must prevail.