The Polish Centre

my best life

Our History

The formation of the Polish community in UK was the result of population movements, brought about by World War II. The war itself started in Poland, with a co-ordinated attack by Nazi Germany and Soviet Russia. In eastern Poland, the Soviets embarked on a policy of genocide and ethnic cleansing. Prisoners of War were massacred at Katyn Forest, and nearly 2 million civilians were deported. Within 18 months half the deportees were dead. The German invasion of the Soviet Union in July 1941 resulted in the release of all survivors. 114,000 joined the Polish Armed Forces in the West, commanded by General Wladyslaw Anders. They then fought alongside the British in Italy. In the spring of 1946, the British Foreign Secretary wrote to every member of the Polish Armed Forces, inviting them to settle in Britain. When Monsignor Jozef Golab arrived in Leamington Spa in September 1960, the Polish community numbered 250. To enable the purchase of the Polish Centre in July 1968, the Monsignor loaned his own money, received as compensation for the years spent in Nazi concentration camps. The post-war Polish community saw itself as an exiled political elite, an attitude which for most, manifested itself at a personal level in a refusal to accept any form of citizenship or ID. Political activity in support of the Government in Exile, and the democratic opposition in Poland, became an important part of their identity. Chief among them, was Prof Zbigniew Antoni Scholtz, chair of the Polish Centre for 20 years, who was also a minister in the Government in Exile.

Learn more

Newest publications

The global leamington

Media about us

Visit our Chrity Shop

9th Polish History Conference

Join us on the 21st of May 23

Mayoral Award for The Polish Centre

MP Community Group Award

Our Aid for Ukraine Project

Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine – Poland’s eastern neighbour – the Polish Centre in Leamington Spa engaged thousands of local people in supporting the Ukrainian people fleeing war. What started as a 3-day collection outside the Centre’s building on 54 High Street, went on to become one of the largest collections in the country. We continue our efforts to support victims of war and deliver necessary AID.

Fundraised

£12,012

Purchased Ambulances

Supported Refuges

over 12,000

Special thank you to our partners and supporters: LKQ Euro Car Parts, Boden, WCC,

My time helping will definitely be one of the highlights of 2022, those hours working alongside complete strangers who I now call friends has left a big impression on me.

It’s been an unforgettable experience in which everyone coming together and working as one, regardless of their nationality, age, status or walks of life. There were just people with big hearts. This will make a real difference in the world.

- Di one of the local volunteers

- Facebook users

What an amazing community there is at The Polish Centre - thank you for giving us the opportunity to help and support Ukraine through your collection.

-Fiona a volunteer

Administrative Council

The present Administrative Council is made up of representatives of the war-time generation, their children, and the latest wave of 21st Century immigrants.

Administrative Council

Chair: Dr Stanisław Librowski

Tel +44 (7956) 440485

Treasurer: MS Izabella Topolińska

Secretary: MR Dawid Kozlowski

Parish Priest:

ks Władysław Liptak

Tel +44 (7511) 036186

Email: w...@op.pl r...@pcmew.org

Council MEMBERS

mrs A. OGRODOWICZ

mrs E. BIESZCZAD