A CELEBRATION of Poland and the Polish community is taking place at Uxbridge Library.

It is hosting a dedicated Polish festival on the centenary of it regaining independence, opening with an exhibition this Friday (27).

As this year is the centenary of the Royal Air Force, the library is also hosting a temporary exhibition on the Polish airmen’s contribution to victory in World War Two. Polish pilots constituted the second largest Allied contingent after the British.

RAF Northolt was home to the most successful Polish fighter squadron, No. 303. The festival includes a talk by the squadron historian, as well as Polish folk music, dance, storytelling and food.

Jean Palmer, Deputy Chief Executive at Hillingdon Council, said: “There is a large population of Polish people and those with Polish ancestry living in Hillingdon. This is a special year for the Polish community, so we wanted to celebrate and enjoy Polish culture and the positive contribution made to our community.”

A full programme of Polish cultural events is scheduled from May 3-5. Polish Heritage Day is held every year on the first weekend after Polish Constitution Day, which is May 3.

Exhibition

From Friday (27), there will be an exhibition to commemorate the role of Polish Squadron No.303 which flew from RAF Northolt. The squadron was commanded by Wing Commander Ronald Gustave Kellett. His personal effects, including medals, are on display at the Battle of Britain Bunker Exhibition and Visitor Centre.

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Thursday, May 3:

11am-12 Storytime and crafts

Storytime and crafts with the under-fives, including traditional stories and flag-making.

Friday, May 4:

10am-12 Cake and craft

Coffee morning with Polish cake-tasting and a chance to try the traditional Polish art of paper flower-making.

2-3pm  Storytime and craft

Storytime and crafts, including traditional stories and flag making. For the under-fivess.

7.30-9.30pm Fighter squadron No.303

Talk by author Richard King on the most successful Fighter Command unit in the Battle of Britain.

Saturday, May 5:

10.30am-12 Traditional Polish storytelling

Stories and crafts for children 5-10 years. Followed by a chance for children to act out the drama with a dragon in attendance. Elisabeth Kozmian, author and artist of Polish fairy tales, will be joining for the craft session afterwards to make a paper dragon.
2.30-4pm Polish song and dance
Leśna Polana demonstrate traditional Polish dance with an English commentary, followed by a chance for spectators to try out simple steps with the group.