Celebrating Solidarity's 20th anniversary

"It was like a tiny stone which fell and began a huge avalanche. First it was Poland, then the other so-called people's democracies, finally the entire Soviet Union." This was how Lech Walesa described the August Agreement, which launched the Solidarity movement 20 years ago this month. The church in Poland played a major part in the movement through prayer, holding meetings, supporting prisoners and their families, always urging the campaigners to demonstrate in non-violent ways. Priests and religious were among those imprisoned by the regime. In October 1984, one young priest, Jerzy Popieluszko, was tortured and killed by the police. His story and many others are being told in London in a series of events marking the 20th anniversary of Solidarity. 25 October - 10 November: The History of Solidarnosc The Polish Cultural Institute, 34 Portland Place, London W1, is holding an exhibition of photographs, press cuttings and documents. 19 - 30 November: Solidarity Posters and Leaflets A unique collection of original materials from the Pokaz gallery, Warsaw. Brockway Room, Conway Hall, 25 Red Lion Square, London WC1R 4RL. 24 November: A celebration starting at 7pm will include a short talk on the campaign in Britain by Wiktor Moszczynski and Karen Blick, exhibition launch and reception, followed by a concert with Carmen Lasok and Robert Aldwinckle. Conway Hall, 25 Red Lion Square, London WC1R 4RL. Admission is free. To book call: 0207 242 8032.