From: RICHARD STANBROOK, "Howden," 18 Drove Road, Langholm DG13 0JW, Scotland. Email: richardstanbrook@hotmail PolishForums.com Username: stanbrook Date and Time: Saturday 21st May 2011 at 1130 hrs.
Dear Sir / Madam. I am trying to locate a MR. GREGORY STECKIEWICZ, resident in Warsaw forty years ago, who attended a "Service & Study" Course at John F. Kennedy House, Coventry Cathedral, from 7th to 21st August 1971. I was also there that fortnight and am contacting some of those whom I met forty years ago.
Although not with me at present, I can provide an address for Mr. Steckiewicz which was valid back in 1971. However, due to the time lapse, the difficulties are considerable in any event. Any advice and information would be welcome.
edited to prevent spamming TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN.
In response to a recent e-mail (unsigned and undated) from Wroclaw, I will clarify my notice-board enquiry posted on 21st May 2011.
I am contacting people who were with me forty years ago this month (7th-21st August 1971) at John F. Kennedy House, Coventry Cathedral, England. We were on a fortnight's "Service & Study" Course organised by the Cathedral authorities. Amongst those present was GREGORY STECKIEWICZ, then living at NL, SWIERCZEWSKIEGO 72m 40, WARSAW. At the time, he was either in his very late teens or early twenties. I have no further information.
It may be of some use to add that I was known to the other course members as "STAN" and, at the time, was living at 74 ENBORNE ROAD, NEWBURY, BERKSHIRE, ENGLAND.
Due to work circumstances and the political climate back then, I was unable to correspond with Warsaw-Pact citizens but, as you may concur, links between the UK and Eastern Europe have improved considerably since 1989. I am mindful that Poland is emerging from decades of state surveillance. Therefore, privacy concerns are paramount and if Mr. Steckiewicz indicates an unwillingness to renew contact, his wishes will be respected.
My request for information on the whereabouts of this gentleman has initiated a barrage of totally unrelated and dubious e-mails. Sadly, these indicate that my enquiry is seen as a joke in some quarters - which is NOT the case. Please reply ONLY if you have valid information and/or constructive advice. Thankyou.
Why not try writing? Polish families don't move house as often as British people. Even if he's not at that address any more there is a very strong chance that the present occupier is a relative. That's how it works there.
The address by the way is: Ul. Swierczewskiego. not 'NL', and his first name is Grzegorz rather than Gregory.
Don't worry about the 'emerging from decades of state surveillance' thing. Poland was quite different to the Soviet Union even in those days, and now there is no special reason for discretion at all.
Looking at the address on Google maps, you may want to address two letters. There are two streets with that name around Warsaw, one of them in a place called Otwock and the other in Blizne.
I don't want to sound discouraging, but that address (72 m40) is the equivalent of 'No. 72, Flat 40' and both of the streets in question look like they are houses rather than blocks of flats. I'm not sure that either of them have a number 72. Are you sure it is Warsaw?
