Sielpia is a small town in Central Poland, delightfully situated by a lake. None of the family?s millers lived there, nevertheless it was chosen as a suitable venue for a gathering in view of its tourism background. During 3rd and 4th September 2005 about 100 family members arrived, some having to travel more than 500km to get there. Kasia Mrozowska with her husband, faithful participants in our meetings, travelled from Bielsko, and arrived late in the afternoon in their car which was painted as a rabbit . Our hosts for this meeting, Nella and Zbigniew Major, together with the accommodation personnel who arrived a day earlier, did a wonderful job and this meeting progressed without any hitches. Well done everyone!
The official part of the meeting was short and sweet. Nella warmly welcomed the honoured guests, especially Mr. and Mrs. Malatyński, and Mr. Włodzimierz Koperkiewicz and other participants as well as members of the Pytlewski family who came for the first time. Nella read out letters conveying Greetings and Best Wishes to all present sent by Krystyna Tracz and Agnieszka Metelska, granddaughter and great-granddaughter of Konstanty Konopacki and Franciszka Pytlewska. She then invited Barbara Kłosowicz to say a few words, who in turn thanked the Pytlewski family for their efforts in organizing such a gathering, and also welcomed members of the Konopacki family who participated for the first time. Barbara then recounted the life story of Adolf Konopacki who spent many years in exile, an insurgent of the 1863 uprising in Poland.
Once the official part of the gathering was completed, we turned to the genealogical tree which is growing in size from one year to the next, and also studied numerous photographs which Nella gathered as part of her project. Many guests conversed endlessly, although some brave individuals went for a dip in the cold water of the lake. The Konopacki group spent much time chatting to others and this led to a relaxed and friendly atmosphere affecting all present, both the frequent participants of such meetings as well as the first timers.
At 7pm we heard a recital given by the talented fifteen years old saxophonist, Andrzej Woloszczyk. Afterwards there was dancing till midnight around the bonfire, an orchestra providing the music. Spit-roasted sausages and coffee were provided to the tired and cold revellers.
Next morning we attended a Holy Mass in memory of family members already departed. This gathering ended at noon with a festive lunch. Nella then asked the regional group organizers to plan next years gathering:
| Warszawa |
Łódz |
Kielce |
Wrocław |
Katowice |
1. Agnieszka Pytlewska
2. Agnieszka Nawrocka
3. Adam Konopacki
4. Tomasz Raff |
1. Elzbieta Konopacka
2. Marian Konopacki |
1. Jerzy Pytlewski
2. Krzysztof Pytlewski |
1. Agnieszka Malicka
2. Barbara Lipinska |
1.Anna Rusek
2. Pawel Pytlewski |
