The Performing Arts Centre at Redmaids’ School, the oldest continuously operating all-girls’ school in the country (from 1634), was the venue for our concert on a lovely autumn day.  We settled down for an afternoon of light classical and popular operatic music performed by some of the most talented young musicians in the area. They had been brought together by Angela Hickey, a leading local voice teacher who had a long and distinguished international singing career, appearing in many opera houses and concert halls all over the world including Poland (Warsaw and Łódz). Pianist Helen Reid played throughout, mostly as … Read more   

Our book launch started when Co-Chairman, Chris Ottewell welcomed our guest of honour, The Lord Mayor of Bristol, Councillor Faruk Choudhury. We were also delighted that Mary Prior, HM Lord Lieutenant of Bristol, and her husband were also able to attend along with Councillor Ian Boulton the Chairman of South Gloucestershire Council and Fr.Stefan Wylężek, Rector of the Polish Catholic Mission of England and Wales. Most importantly a large number of contributors, members and guests were able to participate. Chris introduced the guests and said a few words about the origins of the APS and the very long links between … Read more   

“It was very enjoyable afternoon with good music, I particularly enjoyed zuchy, (it’s always nice to see children sing and dance) Katy, and Górale with Ania were very good, and it was good to meet with friends.” “The best value annual cultural event in the West of England.” “Great to see the 8 to 80+ age groups all having fun together!” “With the addition of Polish drinks and food it’s turning into an annual Polish Festival – Fantastic!” “Katy Carr was the highlight of the evening captivating the audience with her songs and stories.” “A thoroughly enjoyable event with something … Read more   

“Better than Nigel Kennedy”; “I wouldn’t have missed it for the world”; “Brilliant”; these were just three of the things members of the select audience at Siston Court said to me after Stanislav finished his recital on Sunday evening. Given that our members know a thing or two about music I need say no more about the quality of playing. The program was perfectly selected to match the audience as well, with a mixture of classical and jazz works to suit all tastes. All too soon it was over. However, a rousing ovation persuaded Stanislav to return and play a … Read more   

Czuwaj! I was pleased to attend the recent concert by Katy Carr and the Aviators, and the short film “Kazik and the Kommander’s Car” held at the Polish Ex-Combatants Association Club, on behalf of the County Commissioner for Avon Scouts, Mr. Dan Wood. Although prior to the event I had taken the opportunity to watch some of the documentary, I was still unprepared for the raft of emotions during the evening. As Katy interviewed Kazik, he took us all on a journey – from happier times as a young man, through to the invasion of Poland by the Germans until … Read more   

In June 2011, Penelope and Anthony Warne welcomed us to their converted medieval barn and extensive gardens at Sutton Courtenay for a picnic, and a musical recital performed by the Davey String Quartet and Jane Plessner on clarinet.  The Quartet started with Mozart’s String Quartet op 465 (dissonance), capturing beautifully the nuances of Mozart’s composition and filling the barn with heavenly music. Jane Plessner then joined the Quartet for Brahms’ Clarinet Quintet op 115; the clarinet blended brilliantly with the strings, evoking a warm serenity of musical elegance, complex, rich and brooding, a supreme achievement in chamber music. The recital … Read more   

In 1944, a plane from the Polish Air force was returning from a mission and developed engine problems. Instead of bailing out of the plane, the airmen flew on to avoid the populated area of South Bristol and crashed in a field next to Long Ashton Church. These brave men sacrificed their lives to save others and this is commemorated every 5 years when the date falls on a Sunday. The Aircrew Remembrance Society Long Ashton Parish Council

Let me start by thanking Anne Foot and the Bristol and the South West Anglo Polish Society for their invitation to the concert and for their warm hospitality.  Since attending it involves a round trip of some 240 miles I must admit that I had some doubts about coming, however, a sense of duty prevailed.  Rarely has duty been so richly repaid. I am no cognoscenti of classical music, but I have always believed that our great Polish composer wrote almost exclusively for the piano.  I was therefore intrigued to see a duet and a trio included in the rich … Read more   

When I learnt that the Anglo Polish Society in conjunction with the Bristol Central Library was holding a lecture on Joseph Conrad, delivered by Professor Tim Middleton of Bath Spa University, I knew this was an opportunity not to be missed.  I teach English at Weston Sixth Form Academy and have been introducing my current AS Literature students to Conrad and two of his works: Heart of Darkness and The Secret Agent.  We have been exploring his life, ideas about colonialism and terrorism, his astounding use of English (more so as it was his third language) and of course, mankind’s … Read more   

A delegation from the Polish city of Lublin has recently visited Bristol – part of the European Union’s “Intercultural Cities Initiative”  The aim is to develop a project called Living Together in Europe Tour, with the objective of exchanging experiences and practical visits.  At present there are 23 participating cities.  Lublin chose to come to Bristol. The Vice President of Lublin, Włodzimierz Wysocki, who is responsible for culture, sport and education, led the party in Early August.  He was accompanied by Mariusz Banach, Michał Karapuda and Rafal Sadownik,all linked to the city’s cultural department. Asif Khan, the Community Engagement Manager … Read more   

It was a great privilege to welcome Her Excellency Barbara Tuge-Erecińska, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Poland, to Bristol. You will have seen from her programme that many people had the opportunity to meet and talk to her.  She arrived at Clifton Cathedral with a police escort and was met by Monsignor Canon Robert Corrigan, the Dean of the Cathedral.  Father Frączek led the prayers and singing, and H.E. laid a wreath at the Katyń Memorial. Members of the Veterans’ Association made a special effort to attend, as well as those of the Anglo-Polish Society and members … Read more