Polish

During World War Two a number of Polish pilots and personnel were based in site around Nottinghamshire, and fought for the defence of Britain and a free Europe across many fronts. Soviet dominance in Eastern Europe meant many of these men faced political persecution should they return to Poland after the war. The Polish Resettlement Corps was established to help these men find work and settle in the UK. Many were initially houses in camps like the one at nearby Hardwick Hall, and later at Forest Town and Abbot Road Hostel.

Polish mass was first held in Mansfield on 16th February 1947 by Fr. Andrzej Żyłka at Forest Town Hostel, and in 1949 began to be held regularly at St Phillip’s Neri on Chesterfield Road. The Polish Catholic Social Club was built in 1965 followed by the Church in 1978, consecrated on December 3rd by Bishop Władysław Rubin. An ex-combatants club was also active at 86 Leeming street.

On the 1st May 2004 Poland joined the EU, and a new generation settled in the town. Today weekly mass is still observed at the Church, with a Scouting troops and Polish School still active in the town too.

  • General Wadysaw Anders and Brother Leon Kliszewicz Credit: Anna Wietzychowska
  • Polish Scouts Carr Bank Park, circa 1960 Credit: Anna Wietzychowska
  • Polish Girl Guides at Car Bank Park, Circa 1960 Credit: Anna Wietzychowska
  • Parade from St Phillips Church to Carr Bank Park, circa 1960 Credit: Anna Wietzychowska
  • Dh Bor-Komorowski, Mr Starzyński, Anna Wietrzychowska, Brother Woriwoda Credit: Anna Wietzychowska
  • Girls Guides at Carr Bank Park, circa 1960 Credit: Anna Wietzychowska
  • Girl Guides parade on Clumber Street circa 1960 Credit: Anna Wietzychowska
  • Nadia made troop leader, 2021 Credit: Renata Mucha
  • After brownies had transitioned to guides, Calverton woods, 2021 Credit: Renata Mucha
  • Brownies becoming guides, 2021 Credit: Renata Mucha
  • After brownies had transitioned to guides, 2021 Credit: Renata Mucha
  • After brownies had transitioned to guides, 2021 Credit: Renata Mucha
  • Transitioning from brownie to guide, 2022 Credit: Renata Mucha
  • Transitioning from brownie to guide, 2022 Credit: Renata Mucha
  • Mansfield guides group officiated, approval of neckers and cravats by regional commissioner Credit: Renata Mucha
  • Transitioning from cub to scout, 2019 Credit: Renata Mucha
  • Transitioning from cub to scout, 2020 Credit: Renata Mucha
  • Making kaziuki cookies Credit: Renata Mucha
  • Easter Palm at St Phillip Neri with St Bede CVA, flowers made by children at the school Credit: Renata Mucha
  • Selling kaziuki at church Credit: Renata Mucha
  • Palm Sunday 2023 Credit: Renata Mucha
  • Dzisiaj Św Mikołaj był u nas na zbiórce, 2019 Credit: Renata Mucha
  • Standing guard at the tomb of Jesus, Easter Saturday 2024 Credit: Renata Mucha