Joanne Chamberlain, Heritage & Participation Officer at The Atkinson, has been awarded the Bene Merito honorary distinction by the Consul General of the Republic of Poland in Manchester, in recognition of her outstanding service to the Polish community in Sefton and surrounding area.
Through a programme of engaging exhibitions, family workshops, events and talks at The Atkinson and across Sefton, Joanne has helped bring to life the significant contributions of the Polish communities in the borough, from the Second World War to the present day.
Key highlights of this work include the 2021 exhibition Courage and Devotion, which commemorated the lives of Polish airmen stationed at RAF Woodvale, alongside the iconic Spitfire and stories connected to the local area during the war. In 2022, a celebratory Polish Day brought together Merseyside Polonia, John Paul II Polish School in Liverpool, Southport Anglo Polish Society and The Military Vehicle Trust, offering a vibrant programme that explored the legacy of Polish airmen while showcasing Polish culture and traditions. Joanne was also proud to organise a commemorative day for the Polish Squadrons that were based at RAF Woodvale which saw a team effort alongside the personnel at RAF Woodvale, Merseyside Polonia and the RBL pulling together an event to celebrate the shared history of the Polish and British men and women that fought together during WW2.
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.”
Joanne was invited by Ireneusz Truszkowski, Consul General of the Republic of Poland in Manchester, to attend a Gala Concert celebrating Poland’s National Day and the 235th anniversary of the Constitution of 3 May 1791. At the event, held on 30 April 2026 at Chetham’s School of Music in Manchester, Poland’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Radosław Sikorski, presented her with the Bene Merito distinction.
The Bene Merito award is presented to Polish nationals and international recipients whose work strengthens Poland’s presence internationally and supports Polish communities abroad.
Ireneusz Truszkowski, Consul General of the Republic of Poland in Manchester added “Our nations are connected by shared history and values – and a robust belief that together we can be stronger.”
Joanne said: “I am honoured to receive this recognition from the Polish Consulate, and I am proud to support our Polish communities, and it was especially meaningful to share the moment with so many people that I have grown to know in the room.”
The Bene Merito distinction is conferred by the Polish Minister of Foreign Affairs in acknowledgement of achievements that strengthen Poland’s international standing.
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.
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.”
