This blog post was published under the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government

Martin Oxley, Head, UKTI Poland

Martin Oxley

Director of UKTI Warsaw

Part of UK in Poland

15th June 2012 Warsaw, Poland

A GREAT British Diamond Jubilee Birthday!

Martin Oxley, Ambassador Barnett and senator Andrzej Person during rowing machines competition.
Martin Oxley, Ambassador Barnett and senator Andrzej Person during rowing machines competition.

In London scenes which brought people to the streets in their thousands to celebrate 60 Great British years of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

In Warsaw a superb tribute to Her Majesty set against a backdrop of two iconic sporting events – living football and anticipating London’s 2012 Olympiad. A splendid occasion, a kaleidoscope of red, white and blue – a British street in the grounds of the British Embassy Warsaw – an international celebration of unique and Great Britishness.

Guests arriving in a Rolls and Bentley dating back to the time of the coronation. Two world leading JCB’s adorned with celebratory bunting creating a welcome arch Uttoxeter would be proud of. The start of a journey down a street of Great British brands, culinary and sporting excellence. Lotus, Aston Martin and fine British cheese. Jubilee cocktails, excellent draught beer, strawberries and cream and Intercontinental Scottish smoked salmon. A pictorial tribute to Her Majesty’s reign adorning the route. 1000 invited guests celebrating The Queen’s birthday and a blossoming British Polish relationship.

What a superb programme of entertainment. A particular highlight of the evening was HMA Robin Barnett taking on Senator Andrzej Person in a 500m pre London 2012 Great British Polish Rowing Championship, Robin taking the chequered flag 8 seconds before his rival. A huge cheer in anticipation of the London Olympiad which starts next month – a fantastic time to visit Britain.

This was undoubtedly the best Diamond Jubilee Birthday Party Warsaw has ever seen. The blend of a street party in an exclusive garden, a Royal occasion and the anticipation of an Olympic London. Take part in the Diamond Jubilee rowing championship, mingling amongst a star studded cast of guests and a scintillating programme fit for The Queen. I enjoyed two traditional British dishes, fish and chips and a spicy curry followed by a great cup of Twining’s tea.

A by the minute programme – the essential formalities proudly led by the Ambassador and an excellent review of the last 60 years. The Diamond Jubilee, a Royal Birthday and two like-minded nations coming together to celebrate a unique historical relationship. A Royal Toast and three cheers for the UK in Poland on a day when we were all proud to be traditionally British.

About Martin Oxley

Martin Oxley joins the Embassy team in Warsaw, building on a 15 year business career in Central Europe. An expert in the healthcare and life sciences sector, he has led a…

Martin Oxley joins the Embassy team in Warsaw, building on a 15
year business career in Central Europe. An expert in the healthcare and
life sciences sector, he has led a number of the leading blue chip and
regional pharmaceutical companies in Poland and the broader Central and
Eastern European region.
Most recently he was CEO of the British Polish Chamber of Commerce.
Under his leadership the Chamber grew to be one of the most prominent
international business networking organisations in Poland receiving a
number of awards  for excellence and partnership development.
Martin retains a keen interest in digital media, communications,
cultural relations and enterprise development. He is very enthusiastic
about his new role at the Embassy and honoured to have the opportunity
to play a leading role in championing the development of British
business in Poland.
He is married to Małgorzata and has two children Jaś and Nati.

Follow Martin

Tags

british embassy warsaw country head diamond jubilee drink food london olympics 2012 martin oxley opportunity queen's birthday party ukti

Links