Banff Polish exhibition booklet to recognise all those who made the unique dream come true
A special booklet is being launched to recognise those involved in making a unique exhibition happen.
Since September Duff House in Banff has been hosting The Eagle and the Unicorn - the Untold Story, a moving tribute to the Poles who fled to Scotland during World War II to continue the fight against the Nazis and went on to make this country their home.
The exhibition was formally opened in September by Polish Consul General Miroslaw Sycz.
One of the driving forces being the project is Banff man Adam Golebiewski whose grandad, Stanislaw, was one of those wartime refugees, later being stationed at Duff House with the 9th Polish Lancers.
He said: “The exhibition is due to close at the end of December and we wanted to do something to say thank you to all the people who helped us make it a reality.
“There’re so many people who were involved one way or another and a lot of Polish families got in touch as well to share their stories.
“Everything that’s on the information boards at the exhibition in Duff House is in the booklet. All of the money raised from sales will be split between the Friends of Duff House and the Macduff Heritage Society - who were both massive supporters - to fund similar projects in the future.
“Hopefully everyone involved in the exhibition is mentioned in the booklet - if we have missed anyone out, please get in touch.
“A book is also on the way on this and there’re also plans for a permanent marker or plaque at Duff House to commemorate the Polish soldiers, including my grandad, who were stationed there during the war.”
The booklet is due to go on sale at Duff House and Banff Museum, although it may be available at other outlets in the future. The 100-page publication is priced at £8.
Among the huge team effort was a special song written to mark the exhibition by Banff man Gerald Duncan, entitled We Came to Shelter, which had its first official performance at a service held in Banff’s Our Lady of Mount Carmel RC Church the day prior to the official opening at Duff House.
Mr Duncan battled on to complete the song in time despite huge personal tragedy, his wife Monica losing her battle with a brain tumour while he was writing it.
The exhibition is set to run until December 28, open Friday to Sunday, 10.30am-12.30pm and 1.15pm-3pm.
Our Lady of Mount Carmel are due to hold a special mass for the Polish soldiers commemorated by the exhibition on Saturday, November 29, with Rosary at 5.30pm and Holy Mass at 6pm.