Polish Consul General and Vice Consul visits Gwynedd Council
Gwynedd Council has welcomed Polish dignitaries to discuss how the historic links between Wales and Poland can be enshrined in an exciting development at the Penrhos Polish Home Site in Llŷn.
Polish Consul General Michal Mazurek and Vice Consul Patryk Gowin were welcomed to the Council’s headquarters in Caernarfon by the Council Chairman, Councillor Elwyn Jones. Council Leader, Councillor Dyfrig Siencyn, Council officers and representatives from both ClwydAlyn Housing Association and the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board also attended.
The proposed development at Penrhos is a partnership project between Gwynedd Council, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board and ClwydAlyn Housing. The meeting was an opportunity to share information about the ambitious project of redeveloping the housing and care facilities on the site.
Key to the discussions were the commitments to safeguard the unique Polish-Welsh cultural ties of the village. As the site moves into the next chapter of its history, the special relationship between Wales and Poland will continue to be celebrated.
Chairman of Gwynedd Council, Councillor Elwyn Jones, said:
“It was an honour to welcome Mr Mazurek and Mr Gowin to Gwynedd. Everyone around the table was keen to forge even stronger working relationships.”
“The Penrhos Polish Home has had a special place in the heart of the local community for more than 70 years. The stories of people who have lived or stayed at the site since the war will never be forgotten.”
“With Penrhos Polish Home are related stories of Polish people who came to Great Britain concurrently with hope for a normal living and longing for their motherland. It seems of paramount importance to do our utmost in order to preserve the memory of Poles who so greatly contributed to the formation of new social relation here in Wales.”
Elaine Gilbert, ClwydAlyn Executive Director of People, Communications and Marketing, said:
“We enjoyed meeting Polish Consul General Michal Mazurek and Vice Consul Patryk Gowin to talk about our plans to protect the proud Polish-Welsh history of the village. We are all passionate about working together to make sure we celebrate the Polish-Welsh culture in our future plans.
“The church and walled garden will be protected and we’re working with the Polish Institute and Sikorski Museum to safeguard the historical documents onsite. There will also be a historical timeline incorporated into the new development.”
Ffion Johnstone, Area Director for West of Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, said:
“We are delighted to be working in partnership with Clwyd Alyn Housing and Gwynedd Council on this exciting development at the Penrhos Polish Home site.
“This will further strengthen ties between Wales and Poland in this special location for future generations to come.”
More information about the Polish Home development is available on the Clwyd Alyn Housing website https://www.clwydalyn.co.uk/Penrhos/