On Sunday morning, 14th October, after a bit of a sleep-in, we attended Polish Mass on-site at the Centre, where Ks. Henryk Zasiura always makes us feel so much at home. In residence was also Ks. Maksymilian Szura, which was a nice surprise. Some of our parents who were actually married by Ks Maks were able to catch-up with him!

Already packed, we headed off straight after mass to the Polish Club at Turner. Here we were given a delicious spread of salatki and wedlina (salads, cold meats and Polish bread) to give us strength and energy for our concert, and provided for by the Club. For this we were very grateful!

We thoroughly enjoyed giving the concert. Everyone worked as a team, and the audience seemed to enjoy our performances. During the concert, the audience was invited to join in for a group Krakowiak and for Szla Dzieweczka, and so many people did join in, young and old, to have a go! Even Ks. Henryk got up to do Krakowiak! In the audience were members of the Monaro Folk Society and Folk Dance Australia, and afterwards they gave us some encouraging feedback.

In the photos, you’ll see our newest juniors Malwinka and Mateusz who have just joined Lajkonik. Gorgeous children with loads of talent; Monika and Iza, who sang Polish songs (Czerwone Jabluszko and Kukuleczka) in duet with so much confidence and grace. You’ll see the senior contingent of 5 pairs who worked so hard to deliver a fairly-seamless concert with Dances from Rzeszow, the Ukraine, Sacz, and Zywiec. You’ll see our newly-purchased Zywieckie gorsety (corsets), EMBROIDERED BY HAND, by hafciarki (embroiderers) in the town of Zywiec, Poland. You’ll see joy on everyone’s faces because not only was our concert successful, but we genuinely had FUN! We did the concert on stage, except for the Goralskie where we came down on the floor to be closer to the audience!

So thanks again to the Polish-Australian White Eagle Club in Canberra, and in particular President Pani Eta Rogojska and former President Basia Alwast for their warmth and hospitality associated with our visit. Thanks also to Ks. Henryk for having us over (sorry if it was a bit noisy!) and to the youth and parents of Lajkonik for their participation and efforts.

And finally, in review from Marilyn and Ken Charleton, from Folk Dance Australia, Canberra: “Hi Ursula. It was great to finally catch up with you in person and to enjoy such a wonderful performance of Polish dance and song on the afternoon of October 14th. Both your groups displayed much talent, from the Seniors with their twirling ladies and athletic men to your juniors, where even the young 4 year old danced with much aplomb! We very much admired your sumptuous costumes and the amount of work that had gone into producing them. Our Folk Dance Canberra members really appreciated your explanations in English and your encouraging participation along with the performance. Some of us lingered on in the Polish Club restaurant afterwards to chat and savour some Polish soup and gingerbread – no-one wanted to go home! We wish you all a very successful trip to Perth. Many thanks once again for a memorable afternoon
from Marilyn and Ken
FOLK DANCE AUSTRALIA.

Our next concert is at Marayong on 25th November, after the Christ the King procession, 4pm in the Parish Hall. Everyone is welcome – Wolne Datki (by donation) and Loteria (raffle). It’s a concert which will have special appeal for children.

Ursula Lang