Shared Shores: Anglo-Polish History and Heritage
Part of the Plymouth Community History Festival
04 Oct 2025 - 04 Oct 2025
Join us for a special event exploring the rich and enduring ties between Poland and South West England. Martin Hazell and Richard Sroka will give two fascinating talks that span wartime history and post-war community life. Together, these talks offer a compelling portrait of Anglo-Polish history, heritage, and friendship both past and present. The event includes a Q&A session hosted by Alan Butler. See below for more information,
Martin Hazell will delve into the arrival of Polish naval vessels and sailors in 1939, highlighting their activities throughout World War Two with a focus on events in the South West. Drawing on first-hand stories and decades of research, Martin will share insights from his visits to Poland and his connections with Anglo-Polish families around the world.
Richard Sroka will continue the story into the post-war years, tracing the development of the local Polish community. His talk will cover Polish Resettlement Camps, the Polish Naval Veterans Association, the Polish Eagle Club, the annual Polish Remembrance ceremony, the Polish Saturday School, and Anglo-Polish cultural activities—including the twinning of Plymouth with the Polish Baltic port of Gdynia.
About the speakers
Martin Hazell returned to the city of his birth some 30 years ago followig a career in teaching, lecturing and project management. He has written three books, many articles and given illustrated presentations on maritime social history, often using orally collected material. He has also been a member of the South West Maritime History Society, being Chair until recently. He has had links with the RN Devonport Heritage Centre and with local Polish organisations such as the Polish Saturday school. He has recently been involved in the Plymouth Gdynia twinning.
Find Martin Hazell on LinkedIn.
Richard Sroka is a Plymothian and prominent member of the Plymouth Anglo-Polish community. His father was a Polish Naval Officer based in Devonport during World War 2 who, post war, was the longstanding chairman of the Polish Naval Veterans Association in Plymouth. Richard's mother was born in Plymouth and of Armenian heritage. After a career in the oil industry, Richard has pursued his interests in Plymouth regarding heritage, social history and civic influence. He is chair of Plymouth Civic Society, ex-chair of the Plymouth Gdynia Twinning Panel and a member of the Plymouth Area Business Council.
Find Richard Sroka on LinkedIn.
Plymouth Community History Festival 2025 has been organised by WonderZoo, The Box Plymouth, Beyond Face - Theatre Company and Plymouth Walks With History. It's funded by Plymouth Octopus - POP and the Tamar Valley National Landscape Tamara Landscape Partnership.