21/05/2026
GRATULACJE! POLISH BADGE OF HONOUR FOR JOANNE
The story of the brave Polish airmen based at RAF Woodvale, near Formby, in World War Two is not forgotten. Six men from the base who lost their lives are buried at Our Lady of Compassion Church in Formby. They are remembered each November at a special service.
Joanne Chamberlain, Heritage & Participation Officer at the Atkinson in Southport has been awarded the Polish badge of Honour to mark her work with Sefton’s Polish community.
At a special event in Manchester to celebrate Poland’s National Day, Joanne was presented with the ‘Bene Merito’ (Badge of Honour). She was given this medal by the country’s Deputy Prime Minister in Poland and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Radoslaw Sikorski.
The ‘Bene Merito’ medal is an honorary distinction awarded to Polish citizens for activities strengthening Poland’s position on the international arena. It is also given to citizens of foreign countries, like Joanne, for supporting Polish communities abroad.
Joanne has coordinated a number of projects with the local Polish community and other partners. She continues to work with Polish and Ukrainian groups including Polish artists.
Sefton has been twinned with Gdańsk since 1993, and Joanne’s ongoing work with local Polish communities continues to build on this important relationship and shared heritage.
In 2021 Joanne organised the Courage & Devotion exhibition which celebrated the lives of the Polish airman who were based at RAF Woodvale during WW2.
Courage & Devotion honoured the Polish RAF aircrew and ground crew who served at Woodvale, including a number who lost their lives while there. The centrepiece of the attraction was a one third size replica of a Spitfire created almost entirely out of paper by artist Suhail Shaikh.
Ireneusz Truszkowski, Poland’s Consul General invited Joanne to the Gala Concert in Manchester. The event was to celebrate Poland’s National Day, marking the 235th anniversary of the Constitution of 3rd of May 1791.
Joanne said: “I am honoured to receive this recognition from the Polish Consulate. I attended the event as a guest and was completely surprised to be called forward to receive the award. I am proud to support our Polish communities, and it was especially meaningful to share the moment with friends in the room.”
Dave Tetlow, Principal Manager Museum & Art Gallery at The Atkinson, said: “Joanne has built strong, lasting relationships with local Polish community groups and continues to work closely with them.
“She is passionate about sharing overlooked stories and connecting communities, and I am delighted to see her contribution recognised in this way.”
Cllr Liz Dowd, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Partnership Engagement, said: “Congratulations or should I say ‘Gratulacje’ to Joanne. I’m really pleased her great work she does at The Atkinson, working with the local Polish and Ukrainian communities has been recognised in this way.”
Ireneusz Truszkowski, Consul General of the Republic of Poland in Manchester said: “Our nations are connected by shared history and values – and a robust belief that together we can be stronger.”
