Newark has had close links with Poland and the local Polish community, both here and in Nottingham for many years. Many Poles came to England to help with the war effort and many chose to stay on and make this country their home. Newark’s place in Poland’s heart was cemented when the remains of Poland’s war time leader, General Wladyslaw Sikorski were entrusted to the town until his return to Krakow in 1993.

During their short visit, the group from Sandomierz were hosted by Newark families. In between visits to The Imperial War Museum Duxford, the annual Battle of Britain Commemoration Service and a rugby match at Newark RUFC the group of visiting Poles were given the opportunity to try out our Great British culinary tradition of a ‘Full Fry Up’.

The concept of fried bread certainly raised a few eyebrows!

Newark Town Council and Newark Twinning Association hope that, over the coming years, many schools, organisations and individuals will take the opportunity to visit Sandomierz where a warm welcome is guaranteed. Newark’s Mayor, Cllr. Mrs. Marika Tribe said “I hope to see a group of young people going to visit Sandomierz as soon as possible. The Sea Cadets and Scouts have already expressed an interest in doing so”.

Newark Town Council was invited by the Mayor of Sandomierz, in eastern Poland, to complete the signing of the Twinning Charter between our two towns. The invitation was accepted and the Town Council’s representatives of the Town Mayor, her Consort and the Town Clerk visited Sandomeirz between 29th March and 3rd April 2007. The full delegation was met at Kracow airport and taken by road to Sandomeirz.