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Penley Poles |
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Life at the camp
New year's Eve party at the camp, circa 1950.
© The Mazurek family
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In the beginning, conditions at the camp were hard for the immigrants. Most families lived in shared accommodation in the barracks. Andy.s family was the only one with an indoor toilet, something that set them apart from the rest of the community.
Eventually, the facilities improved, and as Andy says, "We didn't need to leave the camp for anything, even secondary school, as there was an experimental school in the camp, a bilateral school, which was one part secondary modern, and one part grammar." As well as the schools, the camp had its own chapel, theatre, cinema, shop, canteen, and social club.
© A Bereza
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The social club played a significant role in the community, as the focus for traditional Polish celebrations, family gatherings and activities. Their parties were renowned amongst the Polish communities in the West Midlands and North West England. Polish people came from far and wide, especially for Sylwester - the Polish name for New Year's Eve - which was celebrated by holding a grand ball or dance.
Religious celebrations were also integral to the community. The camp chapel was decorated with artwork made by the patients and residents, and featured a reredos - a four foot high painting which stood behind the altar.
The Chapel at Penley
© A Bereza
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A resident priest attended the congregation in the early years, and the local Bishop would join in at Christmas and Easter festivals.
The immigrants had transferred a social structure and culture from pre-war Poland into the camp. Andy remarks that "it was a memorable lump of pre-war Poland stuffed into North Wales."
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