National Lottery Heritage Grants £10,000 to £250,000
Following the 1947 Polish Resettlement Act, Penley hosted one of the UK's largest Polish resettlement camps. The camp provided homes to Polish veterans and their families, who had fought alongside the Allies in the Second World War, but were unable to return to Poland.
Much of the site – which once housed barracks, schools, a chapel, a theatre, a social club and a hospital dedicated to caring for ex-servicemen – has now been demolished or repurposed.
This three-year project, run by The Rainbow Foundation, is helping preserve this important part of Penley’s heritage.
The project is:
- collecting photographs, letters and memorabilia from those who settled in the village
- recording oral histories of people who lived and were born at the camp
- sharing Polish crafts and traditions with the wider community through workshops and events
Rebecca Griffiths, Project Manager at The Rainbow Foundation, said: “We are thrilled to have received this support. With special thanks to National Lottery players, we can preserve and celebrate a vital chapter of both Welsh and Polish history. As we approach the 80th anniversary of the Polish Resettlement Act of 1947, this project offers a timely opportunity to reflect on Penley’s unique legacy.”
Explore more projects we’ve supported across Wales.
