Leek Polish Connection: Making a Life, Earning a Living - Introduction and Q&A with Dr Pauline Elkes

Join Dr Pauline Elkes for an introduction to this week’s special topic, exploring the enormous impact the Polish community has had on the economy of Leek and the Staffordshire Moorlands.

Building a new life and earning a living in the years after the Second World War was not easy for many Polish families. Through determination, resilience and entrepreneurial spirit, however, their story is one of success. Preserving these experiences and memories is an important part of keeping this local history alive.

Pauline will introduce three guests: Sheena Barnes, who helped produce A Long Way From Home in 2003; Zbyszek Hryciuk, who has also published work on this history; and David Klucznik, whose father established the well-known Leek company Klucznik’s after arriving at Blackshaw Moor in 1946.

Hear more about their work and experiences, and join the conversation during an open Q&A.

Date & time: 11am-11:50am, Saturday 5th December 2026
Location: The Nicholson Institute Museum & Art Gallery, Stockwell Street, Leek, ST13 6DW
Admission: Free

Your ticket includes the talks Q&A session and admission to the main exhibition, Blackshaw Moor: The Hope of New Beginnings, at The Nicholson Institute Museum & Art Gallery.

Access and parking

The museum and art gallery are located on the first floor of the Nicholson Institute. There is step-free access via a lift, and the gallery can also be reached by stairs. An accessible entrance to the building is located to the left hand side of the front staircase.

There is no accessible toilet in the Museum & Art Gallery. The nearest accessible toilet is on Silk Street Car Park.

There is no car park on-site, but there are several public car parks within a short distance, including Vicarage Road and Silk Street. Parking spaces cannot be booked in advance.

At particularly busy times, you may be asked to wait for a short time before entering the gallery. Thank you for your patience while we make sure everyone can enjoy the exhibition safely and comfortably.

Suitable for: All ages

Marketing information

The information provided when booking may be shared with the Friends of the Nicholson Institute Museum & Art Gallery and Staffordshire Moorlands District Council for future marketing and promotion of the exhibition and related activity.