Hosts' plans ramp up with less than a week until Ukrainian guests arrive

And that's because host families in Norwich are set to welcome their guests from Ukraine later this week.

Both Mark Pauley of Branford Road and Stoke Holy Cross' Carol and John Wilkinson have been patiently waiting for visas to be approved before they can receive their new housemates.

And as a city that prospered in the 16th century thanks to an influx of immigrants fleeing persecution from the 'Low Countries', they pride themselves in carrying on Norwich's legacy as a city of welcoming strangers.

Retired project manager Mark, 61, will welcome a family of three from Kyiv on Friday.

Mark has hired a car to pick up Marina Misiura, her six-year-old son Zakhar Stoiakin and mother Liydmula Misiura from Kent.

Ukrainians Marina Misiura, 34, six-year-old Zakhar Stoiakin and Liydmula Misiura, 53, will be staying with Mark Pauley in his Norwich home when they arrive in the UK (Image: Marina Misiura)

He attended the jobs fair at The Forum last week to find employment opportunities for his guests ahead of their arrival.

His youngest lodger is now enrolled in Mousehold Infant and Nursery School and will start on Tuesday.

"I'm just putting together a new bed. There's still some school uniform to be arranged," he said.

Mark has bought a second bed so his guest family from Ukraine can live comfortably in Norwich (Image: Mark Pauley)

"I'm waiting for them to arrive to do a lot of things, rather than me trying to second-guess things and get it wrong.

"I've asked for a list of day one requirements and have suggested that whenever they're ready we'll take a trip into the city centre for supplies.

"I'll be doing a full spring clean of the house to make sure it's nice for them.

Mark Pauley will house three generations of a Ukrainian family fleeing the war from Friday (Image: Mark Pauley)

"I'm also going to buy them a TV and I've got some flags and bunting which I'm hanging."

Mark will get £350 a month for opening his home to refugees fleeing the war in Ukraine.

He added: "I'm doing it purely because I can. I'm under no illusions that it's going to be difficult for all of us.

"As of Friday our lives will be very different."

Teacher Carol and her husband John Wilkinson will be welcoming Julia and her two sons from Kyiv next week now their visas have been approved.

Carol and John Wilkinson of Stoke Holy Cross, who will welcome a Ukrainian family into their home (Image: Ella Wilkinson)

The couple were donated an ex-display bed from John Lewis to house the family.

Are you opening your home to Ukrainian refugees? Contact maya.derrick@archant.co.uk.

Simple Ukrainian phrases to welcome our guests

Hello

Добрий день
Dobri den

Welcome

Ласкаво просимо
Laskavo prosymo

Welcome to Norwich

Ласкаво просимо до Норвіча
Laskavo prosymo do Norvicha

Thank you

Дякую
Dyakuyu

Please

Будь ласка
Bood laska

How are you?

Як справи?
Jak spravy?

Do you have relatives/friends here?

Чи є у вас тут родичі/друзі?
Chi ye u vas tut rodichee/druzee?

Could you repeat?

Повторіть, будь ласка
Povtoreet, bood laska

Excuse me

Вибачте
vybachte

Goodbye

(Formally) (Informally)
До побачення Па-па
Do pobatchennja pa-pa

How to make Borscht

For those looking to extend hospitality in the form of food, why not try borscht, Ukraine's national dish, known for its distinctive deep red colour?

Borscht soup (Image: PA Features Archive/Press Association Images)

1. Heat two teaspoons of oil in a large pot on medium high heat. Add a pound of beef and brown lightly.

2. Add a chopped onion and soften for five minutes.

3. Add four cups of beef stock and simmer for about an hour and a half.

4. Roast four large beetroots and four carrots, cut into 1/4 inch pieces, at 200°C for 15 minutes. Add a large potato and roast for an additional 15 minutes.

5. Remove the meat from the pot and chop into bite-sized pieces and skim off any excess fat.

6. Return the pot to the stove and add four more cups of stock, the carrots, beets and potato. Add the meat to the pot, two cups of sliced cabbage, and a half cup of fresh dill. Simmer and cook for another 15 minutes.

7. Season to taste with vinegar, salt and freshly ground black pepper.