A Jewish Holocaust survivor will share his moving and remarkable story at Armed Forces Day in Southport this weekend.
Harry Kessler will speak about his past as part of a packed day of events at The Atkinson, 80 years after the end of World War II.
Visitors can also hear stories about the Polish resistance against the Nazis; see a 1940s themed fashion show; see military vehicles; learn more about the Home Guard; and much more.
The Atkinson, on Lord Street, is usually closed on Sundays but is opening specially to once again join in the North West Armed Forces Festival.
The occasion will be opened by The Ukrainian United Choir.
The Atkinson wants to provide a platform where you can hear powerful stories of some of the most incredible people who we do not want to be forgotten.
The Festival on Sunday in Southport will also see a military parade from Chapel Street to King’s Gardens; plus military vehicles, stalls, entertainment, a paintball range and more in Kings Gardens and on the Promenade.
‘My Accidental Life’ is a talk lasting half-an-hour in which I tell the story of Harry Kessler’s fascinating early life.
He said: “I am a Jewish Holocaust survivor, born in Vienna in 1930 and, with my parents, had to leave Vienna to escape from the Nazis after the Anschluss in March 1938 for a new life in Czechoslovakia.
“When, a year later, that country also became part of Nazi Germany we were able to escape only as a result of an accidental meeting with an English couple five years earlier which enabled us to get to England as refugees a short while before World War II.”
The talk is accompanied by 70 slides.
People can also listen to ‘Who Knew Halina?’ By Dagmara Wojciechowicz.
During World War II, the Polish resistance embodied unwavering courage and a deep-rooted belief that Poland would once again rise as a free and sovereign nation.
Despite brutal occupation and oppression, thousands of Poles risked their lives to fight against the Nazi regime, determined to protect their homeland and preserve its spirit.
This presentation tells the story of Halina Leonhard, a young woman from Poznań whose bravery symbolizes the struggle of the Polish underground.
In early 1940, Halina was captured on the streets of Poznań and forced in to work at the Deutsche Waffen- und Munitionsfabriken (DWM) ammunition factory in Poznań – a site known for having the highest mortality rate among members of the Armia Krajowa (AK) in Poznań.
Using her bilingual skills, Halina secretly copied classified documents and export routes for ammunition and military weapons, risking everything to undermine the Nazi war machine.
Her resistance continued until January 1945, driven by hope for a free Poland.
This powerful story is told by her granddaughter Dagmara Wojciechowicz, honouring a legacy of defiance, sacrifice, determination and unbreakable patriotism.
Another talk, ‘I Shouldn’t be Here’ by Kris Wojtek, remembers Kris’ parents’ war experiences and their subsequent exile to Siberia.
It also looks at various relatives and their part in World War II.
Families can call in for a free family drop-in craft activities throughout the day with lots for children to do.
Enjoy a 1940s themed fashion show using the amazing collection belonging to Angela Brown and modelled by 611 Squadron cadets.
Location: Outside The Atkinson.
10:30am – 10.45am: Drumhead Service – The day begins with the Drumhead multi-faith military church service. This poignant service will bring together people from all walks of life to pay tribute to the sacrifices made by our service members.
10am – 4pm: The Military Vehicle Trust – Dedicated to ‘keeping our mechanical veterans alive’, the trust illustrates how historic vehicles have contributed to our military heritage.
10am – 4pm: Meet the Home Guard – Interactive stands will showcase different aspects of the Home Guard during 1943-44. Find out about recruitment, personal kit and weaponry, medical equipment and communication tools.
10am – 4pm: Spitfire Craft Activity – James Clare will show you how to make your own paper aeroplane to take away. Sponsored by RBL.
Location: Foyer. Ground Floor.
10am – 4pm: Armed Forces Charities – Displays from military charities and groups including Forces Employment, Veterans in Sefton, The Block, Bee Ethical and Ukraine United.
10am – 4pm: Fireplace Tribute – June The Florist will decorate the fireplace in tribute to our Armed Forces. Founded in 1925, the florist is one of Southport’s oldest family businesses.
10am – 4pm: A Great Little Place – The award-winning café will be serving up delicious fresh food and refreshments all day.
Location: Studio. First Floor.
10:15am: Performance – The Ukrainian United Choir.
11am: Talk – ‘My Accidental Life’ by Harry Kessler – The incredible story of a Jewish Holocaust Survivor.
12pm: Talk – ‘Who Knew Halina?’ by Dagmara Wojciechowicz
1pm: Talk – ‘I shouldn’t Be Here’ by Kris Wojtek
2pm: Talk – ‘Yanks by the Seaside’ by Euan Withersby
3pm: WW2 Fashion Show – Angela Brown’s vintage clothing collection is modelled by cadets from 611 squadron
Location: Art Gallery. First Floor.
10am – 4pm: Mini displays telling incredible stories from World War II:
Dagmara Wojciechowicz shares her grandma’s story as a member of the Polish Resistance during WW2.
Andy Dziegiel’s father was part of Bomber Command, his aircraft was shot down and he became a prisoner of war.
Members of the Polish Community Blackpool/Fylde/Wyre share items that tell the story of the Polish contribution to WW2.
Pete Tipping & Euan Wethersby demonstrate the influence of the Americans in the UK during WW2.
Angela & Frank Brown share their extensive collection of WW2 militaria and fashion.
11am – 3pm: Family friendly craft workshop in the Art Box.
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