| Isn’t it funny how one person can contribute and help set the course of one’s life forever! Back in 1961, at the age of six, on what would have been an ordinary school day at St Felix, my teacher, Sister Alischa, brought into our class a new student. She introduced him to the class as Christopher Socha. She explained to us that Christopher was from Poland, he couldn’t understand much English and she would like us all to help and make him feel warmly welcomed to Australia. So I decided to do my bit.
Not only was this day the start of a wonderful friendship that would last to this day, it was my introduction to life within the Polish society. Through my school days I established a group of very close Polish friends who introduced me to the Polish way of life, Polish food (especially pierogi) are now the rock foundations of my life.
In my teens and early twenties I was a member of the Warszawska Syrenka Polish School of Song and Dance. I was involved with the school for six years, during which I learned many of the Polish customs and traditions and I must say, these were the most fun-filled and happiest times of my life.
The photo in Krakowiak costume is with Anita Strzelecki, now a research scientist in Melbourne |
Over the years friendships and relationships with my Polish friends and their families have grown to the point that I feel as if I am Polish myself, even though I am very proud of my English-Irish heritage. At a recent reunion of Warszawska Syrenka dancers, one of the members introduced me to her Polish husband and explained to him, how I was of English-Irish origin and how I was dancing (and singing) in a Polish Group. He said the reason being was that I was part Irish and that the Irish and Poles have a lot in common and have always got on well together. Among other things, they are always happy and welcoming, they love their music and they are both the subjects of ridiculous jokes.
During my long association with the Poles (forty seven years and still going), these amazing people have taught me self esteem, confidence and courage to pursue many things I probably would never have attempted. As for Chris Socha and all my dear Polish friends (you know who you are) who have given me all your love, support and encouragement “I THANK YOU”. Our friendships have been the envy of many a person I have spoken to, because, you might not realize it, but it is unique. Not too many people have the privilege of having so many great friends for so long. I am proud and humbled to call each and every one of you my friend.
Sincerely,
Bill Snelling (really “Snelinski”)
The one in Wiejski costume is performing Noc Swietojanska at the Sydney Opera House, in 1976, at the Shell National Folkloric Festival |
With my first Polish friend in Kindergarten, Krzys Socha |
And here with my old buddy Tony Lang |
The Kosciuszko Conquest collage by Bill Snelling |
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