Talking and Exploring is inviting to walk to Acton Vale to remember Gen. Stanislaw Sosabowski and to uncover the stories of Polish workers here from the late 1940s onwards.

We will meet outside Acton Central Station in Churchfield Road and then walk through Acton Park to Acton Vale.

This is the fourth of four events celebrating Polish Heritage Days 2022 delivered to you by Talking and Exploring and Acton History Group Polish Heritage Days owing to the support from the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in London.

This year we are particularly celebrating the lives and achievements of three important generals from the Second World War – General Wladyslaw Anders, General Stanislaw Maczek and General Stanislaw Sosabowski. They were all born in the same year, 1892, so this year is their 130th anniversary!

This time we will be finding out about General Stanislaw Sosabowski who worked in Acton Vale at what was CAV Electrics from1949 to1966 . What he did here and how he was treated by his fellow workers might surprise you.

Many Polish men and women looked for and found work in the factories of Acton in the 1940s and 1950s. Until the 1980s Acton was a thriving industrial centre, along with Park Royal, the biggest industrial area in the country south of Birmingham. Acton Vale itself had a long industrial history connected with everything to do with motor cars and getting them on the road.

Many of the Poles who resettled in the area, after staying in resettlement camps all over the country were able to use their skills previously learned in Poland or learned during the war and in the camps to be able to occupy skilled and semi-skilled posts in the factories here.

Now the area, like much of Park Royal, has been transformed from a mainly engineering workplace to one of housing and a variety of trades but especially media and warehousing and larger enterprises employing hundreds have been succeeded by many smaller ones employing just a few. But what remains? The buildings? Some signs? Let us see!

If you know of anyone, Polish or otherwise, who worked in this area in the 1940s to 1980s period or had friends or family who did, please encourage them to join us so that we can hear what they have to say (or to get in touch with us and share their memories)

We plan to finish our walk at the West London Trades Union Club nearby to carry on with the conversation on the Polish heritage related topics over some refreshments.

A few more things:

Pictures are taken during our walks and the walk may be recorded so please let us know if you do not want to be included.

On our walks, participants are welcome to share their relevant stories, memories or snippets of knowledge and you may leave having found new friends or even a new business contact!

As it’s a walking tour, please make sure you wear suitable footwear and clothing. Bring water and a snack with you if you wish to sustain yourself during the walk.

Talking and Exploring is now on Google Maps and we would welcome your review of the walk.

Please contact us if you have any questions regarding the walk or if you would like to book a tour with us for your party.