WABIM 2025 - MKIDN - 80. ROCZNICA POWSTANIA INSTYTUTU i 79. STUDIUM! UROCZYSTA KOLACJA I PIERWSZE KROKI dla NOWEJ STRATEGII ROZWOJU

Ministry of Culture and National Heritage Program - Support for Polish Archives, Libraries, and Museums Abroad - 2025 Edition

WABIM 2025 – MKIDN - Polish Hearth

Dear ALL,

This time, a bit of retrospection, a somewhat delayed report from the ceremonial dinner held on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the establishment of the Polish Institute and Sikorski Museum, as well as the 79th anniversary of its smaller brother, the Polish Undreground Movement Study Trust.

NOTE: A film report from the event at Ognisko will be available on 10/12/2025 on TVP Polonia –  Hallo Polonia.

The ceremony took place on 22 October at an elegant restaurant at Ognisko Polskie (Polish Hearth) in the South Kensington district of London – a place filled with the history of Poland and the tradition of Polish London.

In addition to the opportunity to meet, forge new acquaintances, and build a positive image, the main aim of the ceremony was to present the outlines of a new development strategy for the Institute and the Trust in the coming years and to organise a fundraising initiative to support both institutions.

Ninety people attended the dinner, including representatives from numerous London institutions as well as guests from Poland. The ceremony was honoured by the presence of the Mayor of Westminster, Paul Dimoldenburg. Attendees included representatives from the Polish Consulate in London, the Director of the Museum of National Army, Justin Maciejewski, representatives from the Ministry of National Defence of the Republic of Poland and the Office for Veterans and Victims of Political Repression, the director of POLONIKA, Katarzyna Sokołowska from the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage, and the Field Bishop of the Polish Army, Wiesław Lechowicz. Clare Mulley, author of English-language books about Krystyna Skarbek and Elżbieta Zawadzka, was also present.

One of the most enjoyable yet very important task of this year's edition of the WABIM Programme has been accomplished. With exquisite Polish dishes and excellent wines, interspersed with brief speeches from distinguished personalities, the dinner, thanks to the generous support of WABIM, brought in significant revenue.

We extend our thanks to all the guests in attendance, the organisers, graphic designers, coordinators, and the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage for their financial support of this event.

BEST REGARDS

The Team of the Institute and the PUMST

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