The celebration of Fat Thursday on Saturday has become a permanent fixture in the calendar of The Signpost to Polish Success organization. On February 4, another edition of this event took place, which enjoyed record popularity not only among Poles – about 200 people attended the event! Fat Thursday on Saturday was organized in cooperation with the New Art Exchange Gallery, and its theme was Nicolaus Copernicus, who was chosen by the Senate of the Republic of Poland as the Patron of the Year 2023. During art workshops, children covered paper telescopes and Toruń gingerbread with crepe. In their free time, they could also color the prepared graphics depicting the solar system. An interesting element was also a virtual walk around the house of Nicolaus Copernicus in Toruń, which all visitors could take advantage of by scanning the QR code with their phone. The event was also attended by astronomy enthusiasts from the Mansfield & Sutton Astronomical Society, who run the Sherwood Observatory. At the stand prepared by them, guests could not only learn interesting facts about astronomy and Nicolaus Copernicus, but also look into a real telescope and observe the customers of the shop located at the other end of the street through the window. Special tattoos with stars and space rockets have been prepared for the youngest. During the event, there were also traditional Polish donuts from the Mazowsze confectionery and Toruń gingerbread, which were a great snack while watching specially prepared films about Nicolaus Copernicus and the history of Poland. The prepared lottery was also very popular, in which you could win baskets full of various gifts for children and adults, as well as a stand with cosmetics and Polish books. A whole lot of sweets were also provided by the Nexus People company, whose representatives offered all the children with a smile on their faces. There was also time for conversations over coffee and tea and fun with balloons among the youngest. Joining the celebrations was Shuguftah Quddoos, Nottingham’s Berridge Borough Councillor, who we asked for her comment: “What a great atmosphere with lots of families enjoying donuts, engaging in arts and time with family and other attendees. A very well organized event that attracts people of all ages and ethnic backgrounds. My donut was delicious!” Another participant, Alicja, said: “I am grateful to SPS for organizing Fat Thursday on Saturday. Poles abroad do not feel these emotions when eating a donut on Fat Thursday. East Midlands Po Polsku (ed. SPS) allows us to get closer to these emotions. After the turnout, I can say that this is not only my opinion.” Whereas Agnieszka, Julka and Oliwka summed up Fat Thursday on Saturday; “A very well organized meeting for both children and adults. Of course, the greatest sensation was the delicious donuts and art work done by children. It was also necessary to buy books for children, especially since the older daughter is just perfecting her reading skills in Polish. (…) Overall, very positive impressions, a nice afternoon and we are looking forward to the next meetings.” they finished.
As always, we would like to thank our SPS volunteers, who, as every year, rose to the occasion by preparing materials for art classes, conducting workshops and handing out donuts to guests. It was thanks to you that our event was unique. We would also like to thank everyone who contributed to the organization of the event by collecting paper rolls of kitchen towels. It was an amazing gesture of activating the Polish society, because the skates came to us from many parts of the East Midlands. Special thanks to the employees of the NAE Gallery and all participants for having fun together!
See you next year!
