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Life Through Basia's Eyes

Basia Korzeniowska's avatarBasia Korzeniowska

British born of Polish parents; educator, teacher, translator, chair of Polish Citizens’ Committee Housing Association Ltd., fundraiser and organiser.

I was born in Earls Court, centre of Polish émigré life at the time, then lived in South Kensington and went to a tiny boarding school in Ealing. I read Spanish and English at Sheffield University, and as I always knew I wanted to be a teacher I did my PGCE there in 1978. For the next forty years I taught in a wide variety of schools, eventually specialising in Special Education. The cohesive theme of my career was creative education in the widest sense of the word.
My passions are people, education, literature, theatre and inclusivity. I hate sport but enjoy walking and taking photographs and writing.
Now on my gap year I am enjoying volunteering my help with the Polish Cultural Foundation, chairing the committee of Antokol Polish Care Home and I promote knowledge of immediate history to school children about the events of the Second World War which led to my parents being here as refugees.

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Marguerite – a kindred spirit.

For JR Marguerite was the Diana to my Anne of Green Gables – many were the glasses of “raspberry cordial” that we shared, many potatoes peeled and eaten, many world problems discussed and solved, many evenings spent together, many days out, and in; generally, someone I relied on to be there when I needed her […]Read Post ›

To give or not to give – a story

When I was young, very young, my father always said that England was the only country in the world where begging is forbidden because it is unnecessary.  Is that still true? ********************************************************************************* ….He walked past the beggar sitting at the top of the stairs and a few metres later suddenly turned back. The station was […]Read Post ›

From my CV

For TSS A few weeks ago I was invited to a surprise party for my good friend’s significant birthday.  She was the one who was supposed to be surprised, and I’m sure she was.  Not as much as me, however, when I found this magazine cover on my table. It brought back so many memories: […]Read Post ›

Paris

I thought I would write a bit more about our Africa trip today but I stumbled upon these photos of amazing food carvings in Paris about ten years ago and thought I would regale you with them.  It’s amazing what you can do with a carrot or two and a beetroot.  This was seen just […]Read Post ›

Soweto

I first heard about Soweto (SOuth WEstern TOwnship) when I was at university and anti apartheid campaigners, New Internationalist, War on Want and Amnesty International we’re all busy raising my consciousness. There were big campaigns against Nestlé and Barclays Bank amongst others, all companies which were perceived as supporting Apartheid. Awareness was being raised wherever […]Read Post ›

Desert island discs

For Y (G E) It is a long time since I actually listened to the programme, but I believe the guest is limited to eight records.  I don’t know if I’ll be able to be so succinct bur we shall see.  First of all I would have to take with me the double LP of […]Read Post ›

Driving

for AAK

Driving

For AAK My father passed his driving test when he was about 45 and immediately bought a car.  Of course. An Austin A40: YMD 457 I think was the registration.  Then he bought an Austin 1100 and we went to Poland in it.  I have written bits about that journey. Six years later I was […]Read Post ›

The Feast of the Magi or Pride Comes before a Fall

It was a very cold morning. I’d been up half the night with my insomniac two year old son, and now was trying to get my act together in our tiny cottage in Grove Road. I think it was snowing outside and Kasia was full of beans wanting to go out. Jacek had gone to […]Read Post ›

Uvas de Suerte

Or Lucky Grapes Happy new year. Or szczęśliwego nowego roku. I am sitting in the tube at the moment and opposite me are a young couple who are having a lovely time. He is teaching her how to say happy new year in Polish. She is having difficulties but is gamely practising. I am inwardly […]Read Post ›

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