The imposing ‘Stacja Dom Polski’ on Ashburnham Road has been part of the fabric of Bedford since 1962 and this weekend (Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 November) the town’s Polish community is welcoming everyone to ‘The Polish House Station’ to celebrate its 60th anniversary.
Bedford’s ties with Poland began following WW2, after the Soviet Union undertook four major deportations of Polish nationals.
On Stalin’s order, Poles who had been living in the Eastern Borderlands in 1940 were expatriated from their homes and taken to Siberia.
When the Polish Army, led by General Anders, was formed, thousands of Poles regained the right to depart from the Soviet Union.
Their journey led them through Uzbekistan, Iraq, Iran and Palestine to Egypt and onto Italy. At the end of the war, the British Government agreed that the displaced Polish families could come to the UK, where they were housed on American forces military bases, two in Kempston and one in Podington (Santa Pod), living in military barracks.
By the mid 50s, many Polish ex-servicemen had also arrived in Bedford. Unable to return to Poland, but longing for their motherland, in 1962 the community bought a large building on Ashburnham Road and named it “Dom Polski” (Polish House).
The official opening was attended by General Wladyslaw Anders, describing it as “it’s manifestation of our attitude, our willingness for the Polish spirit to continue”, while the Mayor of Bedford, Mr Birdwhistle, said, “never forgotten and forever obliged for the heroic effort of the Polish Soldier and Polish Nation during the times where over England and the whole world was a threat of captivity and disaster”.
Since 1962, the building has been a hub for the Polish community in Bedford, and has recently undergone major refurbishment on its bar, restaurant and function rooms.
“It’s a social club for anybody to come,” said the club’s managing director, Aneta Kojadynska. “Not just the Polish community, we’re a multi-cultural centre. We host weddings, parties, stand-up comedy and music events. Everything!”
In fact, when Aneta heard that the popular Hold Down Boss Reggae Club were looking for a new venue, she offered them a space. Dom Polski is now the regular venue for the club’s original ska, rocksteady and reggae nights, attracting music lovers from as far afield as London, Bristol and Birmingham.
Remembering the past and looking to the future
Ahead of the anniversary, Tony Wereszczynski, the son of one of Dom Polski’s five original founders, told the Bedford Independent about the significance of the building within the community and his hopes for the future.
“In the mid-50s, there was so much going on here,” he said. “A Polish Saturday school was held in the building, as well as a youth club, Scouts and Girl Guides, a library and countless social events.
“With the more recent influx of Poles coming here, it’s continuing its purpose.
“It has helped Bedford’s Polish community maintain their own culture. Despite being integrated into Britain, they don’t want to lose their identity.”
A weekend of celebrations
The Guest of Honour at the invite-only event on Saturday (12 November) will be Anna Maria Anders, the Ambassador of the Republic of Poland in Italy who is also a daughter of General Wlasyslaw Anders, leader of the Polish Army and guest of honour 60 years ago.
Other guests will include the Polish Ambassador, a representative from the Polish Embassay, Bedfordshire’s High Sheriff and Mayor of Bedford, Dave Hodgson.
On Sunday (13 November) the doors of Dom Polski will be thrown open to everyone to share the anniversary celebrations.
“The day will feature Polish music, singing, cuisine and crafts, with cake and a complimentary glass of Champagne to toast the past and look to the future,” said Aneta.
“We would love everyone to come and share our day with us and celebrate this historic place that has served Poles and English in mutual integration.”
The free event takes place from midday on Sunday 13 November.
Tony, who recently received the Queen’s Award in recognition of his charity fundraising, said: “I really hope that we will be able to secure the future of the building for the next 60 years.
“It’s a little bit of home and a wonderful reminder of the rich history of Bedford’s Polish community.”
