We at ROMANI ROOTS are pleased to see this event take place , we believe that just as other ethnic groups have the opportunity to educate others about and celebrate their own cultures  - so should all groups of travellers!

We are involving our self in this event as much as  we are able to do so. We are participating in our own region but also hope to participate further a field if we have the opportunity.

NUFORTUNATLY WE WILL BE UNABLE TO ATTEND THE EVENT AT THE HARTLEBURY MUSEUM  ON SUNDAY 28TH JUNE.

Other events in our region are listed further down, please scroll to view.

For full details on Further events in other regions, please go to : www.grthm.co.uk

Hartlebury - Gyspies who are ya? June 28th 2009

Check out our diary for events availble in conjunction with GRTHM 

"Gypsy, Roma and Travellers are the largest Ethnic Minority community in the European Union with over 12 million people. In the UK, they are recognised ethnic minority communities and number 300,000. They are also the most marginalised and continue to suffer extreme levels of prejudice and discrimination.

And yet they have enriched our culture in so many different ways.” The aims of GRTHM are simple:

• to explain the history and culture of the communities,
• to challenge myths and break down barriers,
• to celebrate the richness that these communites bring to our everyday lives."

"We hope that this will help raise awareness of these communities and their valuable contributions to our society and to offset the negative stereotyping and prejudices that have led to the situation where:

• The Children’s Society report that nearly 9 out of every 10 children and young people from a Gypsy background have suffered racial abuse and nearly two thirds have also been bullied or physically attacked.(November Report 2007)
• The achievement levels of the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities are the lowest of any of the BME communities and the gap is widening (December 2007 DCSF national figures)."

Write a Story about the Gypsy, Roma or Traveller communities to Celebrate Gypsy Roma Traveller History Month 2009.

A competition open to all children from Foundation Stage through to Keystage 4.

Stories must be about the Gypsy, Roma or Traveller communities.

Not sure what to write? Gypsys, Roma and Travellers have a rich history. You’ll get some ideas by finding out about the different histories, cultures and languages of the Travelling Communities.

• Just one entry per person
• Each story should last no longer than 5 minutes
• Stories can be written, recorded or drawn
• Prizes for all age groups and an overall winner
• Your entry must have an entry label filled in and attached.

Entries must be received by 30th June 2009.

Send your entries to: NATT+, West Park Centre, Spen Lane, Leeds LS16 5BE.

 JUNE 

June 1

GRTHM Launch

Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month will kick off with a prestigious event at Portcullis House next to the Houses of Parliament in Westminster. Representatives of every Gypsy and Traveller community will gather with MPs, ministers and Lords to celebrate the survival and culture of our communities.

12 Representatives from each English region are being invited to perform and mark the occasion, for more information, contact Andrew Ryder, Irish Travellers Movement in Britain.

Telephone: 020 7607 2002.
Email: info@irishtraveller.org.uk

June 4

Appleby Horse Fair

If you are looking for a single event that sums up Gypsy and Traveller culture head to the town of Appleby-in-Westmoreland in Cumbria over the second weekend in June.

No other single event crams so much Gypsy and Traveller colour, chaos and character into such a short amount of time than Appleby Horse Fair. Like many Gypsy Horse Fairs, Appleby Horse Fair exists because of a royal charter granted by James II in 1685. The fair has survived an attempt at closure by Westmorland Borough Council in 1965. Appleby New Fair now is attended by about 5,000 Gypsies,

Travellers and other traders and up to 1,500 caravans park in the area. On the Sunday of fair week, between 20,000 and 30,000 visitors pour into Appleby and onto Fair Hill. Watch horses being washed in the River Eden and the trotting of horses to show them off to potential buyers. It’s also the place to see the finest piebald and skewbald Gypsy cobs changing hands.

June 6

Epsom Derby

The Epsom Derby in Surrey is one of the biggest horse racing events in Britain with a long Gypsy history and big Gypsy attendance.

Epsom Racecourse, Epsom Downs, Epsom, KT18 5LQ

June 12

Pavee Céilidh

Following last years event, The Irish Traveller's Movement in Britain are organising a Pavee Céilidh in London on June 12th 2009 and another in Manchester on June 30th 2009.

For more information contact: Irish Travellers Movement in Britain' The Resource Centre
356 Holloway Road
London N7 6PA

Telephone 020 7607 2002
Fax 020 700 2005
General e-mail: info@irishtraveller.org.uk

June 14

Baro Ziro Festival

Gypsies and Travellers music and culture will be celebrated at the Baro Ziro festival in Doncaster.

Film Festival

Sussex Gypsy Film Festival ‘When the Road Bends; Tales of a Gypsy Caravan’, and extract of ‘Coming and Going’ new film by East Sussex Traveller Education Service.

Duke of Yorks Cinema
Preston Circus
Brighton BN1 4NA

Contact: Friends, Families and Travellers
Community Base
113 Queens Road
Brighton BN1 3XG

Telephone: 01273 234 739
www.gypsy-traveller.org

June 15

The Peak District is a place of ancient traditions and tales, many involving spirits and creatures of other worlds. These stories are told through Jack's quest for his bride as he is transported - like something from Dr Who - from John O'Groats to Land's End - and beyond to the End of the World. This amazing story comes from Gypsy storyteller Sandy Townsley and is itself a combination of many familiar stories.

More information is available from Graham Langley on 01629 826939 or by visiting the web site www.TradArtsTeam.co.uk.

June 18-24

Cambridge Midsummer Fair.

Ancient Gypsy Fair in one of Britain’s most beautiful cities.

When: 18-24, but the biggest day is the 21st

Where: Midsummer Common, Cambridge, CB4 1HA

June 18

An event in the centenary square in centre of Bradford, Yorkshire with wagons, horses, irish dancers, gospel music, stalls, flower making.

From 11.00 - 4.00 pm.

June 20

Gypsy and Traveller History Day

Featuring wagons, horses, music, history and photos, flowers, peg making, and food. An archive of photos and Derby memorabilia, with the Romany & Traveller Family History Society and other researchers helping people trace their connections.

Bourne Hall Museum
Spring Street
Ewell, KT17 1UF

Telephone: 020 8394 1734

June 23

Seminar “Roma Gypsy Survival Strategies”

Organised by London College of Fashion

An all-day session featuring many speakers from across a spectrum of disciplines.

Click here for the proposed line-up >

University of the Arts London
London College of Fashion
20, John Princes Street
London W1G 0BJ

East Space Gallery, room JPS134

Contact: Camilla Palestra
Telephone + 44 (0) 20 7514 1878
Email: c.palestra@fashion.arts.ac.uk

June 25

Tomorrow's History

Teenage Gypsies and Travellers will gather at Ripon Racecourse in North Yorkshire to celebrate “tomorrow’s history”

South West Regional Conference - GRTHM 09

Changing the Outcomes for Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities in the South West

Part of Gypsy, Roma & Traveller History Month 09

Venue: Somerset College of Art and Technology (SCAT), Taunton, Somerset College of Arts, Wellington Road, Taunton, TA1 5AX

Aim: To consider the key issues and actions needed to change the outcomes for Gypsy, Roma & Traveller Communities in the region.

Contact Details: Jack Horwood
Aministrator email: jack.horwood@equalitysouthwest.org.uk
Telephone: 01823 250 832

June 28

Worcestershire's Gypsy Traveller Heritage & Country Fair Event

A celebration of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller arts and culture as part of GRT History Month. It is being held at Worcestershire County Museum at Hartlebury Castle on 28th June 2009 11.00am - 5.00pm. Family friendly, for all ages.

Worcestershire County Museum at Hartlebury Castle
nr Kidderminster, Worcestershire

Adults - £4
Concessions - £2
Children - £2
Under 5s - Free
Family ticket (2 adults & 2 children): £10

More info: www.worcestershire.gov.uk/museums

June 30

Pavee Céilidh

Following last years event, The Irish Traveller's Movement in Britain are organising a Pavee Céilidh in London on June 12th 2009 and another in Manchester on June 30th 2009.

For more information contact: Irish Travellers Movement in Britain' The Resource Centre
356 Holloway Road
London N7 6PA

Telephone 020 7607 2002
Fax 020 700 2005
General e-mail: info@irishtraveller.org.uk