Polish Society of Cardiganshire Papers

Papers of the Polish Society of Cardiganshire, 1942-1973, including correspondence; financial papers; minutes of meetings; membership and subscription records; papers relating to the organisation of festivals and events; papers relating to Polish servicemen in Britain; cuttings from the Polish press and the Western Mail; and papers relating to the foundation, constitution and dissolution of the Society.

The Polish Society of Cardiganshire had its origins in the emigration of Poles from Poland during and after the Second World War, and it was formally constituted in 1955 with the intention of uniting those Polish citizens who had settled in Cardiganshire. Under the guiding influence of Colonel L.M.E. Szul-Skjoldkrona, who acted as its Secretary for the entire duration of its existence and activity, the Society's aim was to preserve the Polish language amongst the emigrant community, to promote national traditions, festivals and values, and to support the Polish Government in Exile. Many donations were made from the Society to the exiled Government, and also to the Polish Library Fund, both of which were based in London. The Society contributed to the creation of a well-organised and tightly bound Polish community in Cardiganshire, working closely with the Polish Roman Catholic parish and local authorities. The need for such an institution faded over time, however, and the Polish Society of Cardiganshire was dissolved in 1973.

Arranged in three groups: correspondence; administrative and financial papers; and miscellaneous meetings and events. The original arrangement, although somewhat haphazard, has been retained.

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L.M.E. Szul-Skjoldkrona; Llanrhystud, Cardiganshire; donation; 1973
L.M.E. Szul-Skjoldkrona; Llanrhystud, Dyfed; donation; 1983; A1983/95.

The Polish Society of Cardiganshire had its origins in the emigration of Poles from Poland during and after the Second World War, and it was formally constituted in 1955 with the intention of uniting those Polish citizens who had settled in Cardiganshire. Under the guiding influence of Colonel L.M.E. Szul-Skjoldkrona, who acted as its Secretary for the entire duration of its existence and activity, the Society's aim was to preserve the Polish language amongst the emigrant community, to promote national traditions, festivals and values, and to support the Polish Government in Exile. Many donations were made from the Society to the exiled Government, and also to the Polish Library Fund, both of which were based in London. The Society contributed to the creation of a well-organised and tightly bound Polish community in Cardiganshire, working closely with the Polish Roman Catholic parish and local authorities. The need for such an institution faded over time, however, and the Polish Society of Cardiganshire was dissolved in 1973.

Title supplied from contents.

July 2011.

Description compiled by Anna Rolewska and David Moore. The following sources were used in the compilation of this description: documents within the archive;

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Action: All records donated to NLW have been retained..

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Llyfrgell Genedlaethol Cymru = The National Library of Wales