Life stories and interviews

In this section of the website you'll find a range of stories and interviews taken from the book 'POLES IN THE UK: A STORY OF FRIENDSHIP AND COOPERATION'. They illustrate the very wide variety of contributions to the book, from over 50 Polish people of all ages. These include first, second and third generation Poles, from age 5 to 83. Additional interviews will be added in the coming months. If you want to download a free copy of the book in PDF form, go to the link on the home page.

JAN MOKRZYCKI'S STORY

The remarkable life story of one of the UK's most respected Poles - which involved a daring escape from Poland across the frozen river Olza on New Year's Eve 1945. This interview was originally published in 'Poles in the UK: A Story of Friendship and Cooperation'.

KINGA KREFFTA

Learn about the life of a Polish singer-songwriter, singing teacher and music student who came to the UK in 2013. This interview was originally published in 'Poles in the UK: A Story of Friendship and Cooperation'.

PETER KOPEC

Find out more about the life of the coach, trainer and conference organiser Peter Kopec. This article was first published in the 17 February issue of Tydzien Polski newspaper.

IWONA DZIURA

Learn more about the adventurer and writer Iwona Dziura.This article was first published in the 24 February issue of Tydzien Polski newspaper.

MARIA JASTRZEBSKA

Learn about the work of the prominent Polish poet Maria Jastrzebska, who came to the UK as a young child in the 1950s. This interview was originally published in 'Poles in the UK: A Story of Friendship and Cooperation' and reprinted in Tydzien Polski newspaper on 14 July 2017.                                      

JACEK WANDZEL

Learn about the life of Jacek Wandzel, who works as a head care assistant in Yorkshire. This interview was originally published in 'Poles in the UK: A Story of Friendship and Cooperation' and reprinted in Tydzien Polski newspaper on 23 June 2017.