Polish Club
A bit of the past
History is full of examples of countrymen emigrating to different places spread around the world. After II World War Great Britain became home for many Polish soldiers. Part of them settled down in the north east of England. There was a charismatic priest Zelichowski among them. This military chaplain managed to attract Poles and he quickly became a spiritual father of Polish community in Newcastle. With time, he inspired in countrymen stronger and stronger need to manifest their own identity, to pray in the Polish church and to meet together in their own place.
In this way, an idea of establishing a club appeared. In the middle of 1950s an old house was bought and it became a real support for Polish people. There was a chapel upstairs and in the cellar a busy social life was led. The club organized dancing parties which were very popular. You could meet your future wife or husband there quite often. That was a place where everlasting friendships began.
The society was flourishing, developing and reinforcing. Eventually a decision to build a church in Newcastle was made. At that time, help came from a priest Gula and also from Polish Benevolent Fund which issued a bank guarantee. Thanks to that, the club which had more than one hundred members received a building loan on preferential terms. According to council law, four union representatives were elected. Polish Catholic Mission in London promised to guarantee that a Polish priest always would serve in the parish. The building was begun.
Everybody did their best to help. Everybody was involved with their hearts in this project, although it was not easy to combine everyday duties with additional hard physical work for the society. However, they were motivated by sense of unity and community.
At that time, the effect was surprising: a beautiful church and a club vibrant with life. There were parties, wedding receptions, harvest festivals, christening parties and funeral receptions. Delicious Polish dinner was always available as Maria took care of it. Visits and meetings with other countrymen were organized. A Polish library was also established.
pic.: A. Fraszczyk
Now
The chapel, the club and the library have been existing till now and together with a new wave of Polish emigration they experience their renaissance. These places bind old and young generations together and invite everybody who wants to become a part of small Poland in Newcastle.
Marta Zielińska
Thanks to Malgosia for help in translation :)
Where to find it?
2 Maple Terrace, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE4 7SE
pic.: S.Wierzchowski
