Polish dancers, Civic Restaurant, Stafford

Description:Polish dancers from Wheaton Aston hostel performing at a social evening arranged by the Stafford Group of the International Friendship League held at the Civic Restaurant on Bridge Street, Stafford. France, Germany. Nigeria, India, Pakistan, Britain, Canada and many other countries, were all represented. A Polish choir also performed, conducted by Mr. R. P. Strong, warden of the Wheaton Aston Polish Hostel. Masters of Ceremony were Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Morgan who conducted old-tine and barn dancing. Among the guests were Mr. P. Bolechowski, President of the Stafford section of the Polish Ex- Combatants' Association, Mrs. Solechowska, Mrs. Clare Mitchell (Chairman of the Stafford branch of the Staffordshire Anglo - Polish Society) and Mr. N. Mitchell.

The International Friendship League was formed in the 1930s with the aim of building bridges between nations. The Stafford branch was founded in November 1951, instigated by Nigerian-born Eko James, a 25 year old graduate apprentice at the English Electric Company, and was active throughout the 1950s. The group met at the Friends Meeting House on Foregate Street.

Reproduced by kind permission of the Staffordshire Newsletter who retain copyright.