20 Wrexham volunteers receive international recognition for preserving Polish heritage
12th October 2026
Local volunteers praised by Poland’s Institute of National Remembrance for helping safeguard the stories, memories and heritage of Penley’s Polish community.
Volunteers supporting Polish Heritage Penley: Polska Penley – Preserving a Legacy have received special recognition from the Institute of National Remembrance in Poland for their contribution to preserving and sharing the history of Penley’s Polish community.
The three-year project, funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund and delivered by the Rainbow Foundation, is working with volunteers and the local community to ensure the rich Polish heritage of Penley is researched, recorded and preserved for future generations.
The volunteers have contributed in many different ways, including researching local history, collecting and recording oral histories, supporting community activities and events, caring for Polish graves in Penley and helping to preserve important memories and stories.
Every volunteer involved in Polish Heritage Penley has received a letter of recognition from Poland’s Institute of National Remembrance, acknowledging their contribution to preserving and sharing Penley’s Polish heritage. From recording oral histories and researching local history to caring for Polish graves, volunteers are helping ensure the stories of the Polish community that made Penley home are not lost.
The recognition followed a visit to Penley by representatives of the Institute of National Remembrance and the Polish Underground Movement Study Trust, who were exploring the area’s Polish heritage, including its connection with writer Sergiusz Piasecki during 2026, officially designated the Year of Sergiusz Piasecki by the Polish Sejm.
The project is now approaching the end of the first year of its three-year programme. Its work includes historical research and oral histories, developing a digital archive, educational and community activities, caring for Polish graves and developing a future heritage exhibition.
Rebecca Griffiths, Project Manager for Polish Heritage Penley, said:
“Our volunteers have made an incredible contribution to preserving Penley’s Polish heritage. From researching local history and recording oral histories to caring for Polish graves and supporting community activities, their commitment is helping to make sure these important stories are not lost.
“We are delighted that their contribution has been recognised by the Institute of National Remembrance in Poland. Volunteers really are at the heart of this project and we simply could not deliver it without them.”