NO ONE EVER ASKED - THE MAGAZINE FOR GYPSIES, ROMA & TRAVELLERS - Travellers Times
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THE MAGAZINE FOR GYPSIES, ROMA & TRAVELLERS
SPRING 2022 | ISSUE 70 | FREE | WWW.TRAVELLERSTIMES.ORG.UK
NO ONE EVER ASKED
INSIDE: ART COMPETITION WINNERS • NEWS • ARTICLE 12 SCOTLAND • DRIVE 2
SURVIVE • KIZZY • SABINA RYBICKA • LONDON HORSE DRIVE • LET’S GO SHOPPING
• TRAVELLER PRIDE • THEY DID THEIR BIT • CUSHTY • SURREY SKILLS • CHARLOTTE
PECKHAM • MACMILLAN • SHOWMEN’S MENTAL HEALTH CHARITY • DONNA SMITH
A Traveller vehicle and trailer on a negotiated
temporary site in Manchester © Mike Doherty
NEWS
EDITORIAL
RADICAL TRAVELLER ARTS “All of us at FFT are filled with pride
The judges at Radical Traveller for every single person that took
Arts had an enormous number of part in the Friends, Families and
entries to their three categories, Travellers Awards 2022, from the
which were ‘junior’, ‘aspiring’ and winners, to the nominees, to the
‘professional’ artist. So, thank you attendees,” say Friends, Families
to everyone who took part. The art and Travellers.
competition and poster printing AND THE WINNERS ARE:
and insert were fully funded by Inspirational Young Person Award:
Radical Traveller Arts and we hope Josie Welsh
to collaborate with them again soon.
Education Award:
So, watch this space.
Future4Fairgrounds GTL visit the Traveller Movement to get
By now all the winners and support for their sports and mental health
Sporting Excellence Award:
runners up will have been project. Left to right: Jamal (GTL), Greg (TM), Stock image by Matthew Ansley on Unsplash.
John Edwards John (GTL), Jenni, Sabrina, Maureen (all A closed transit site in Wiltshire.
informed, but we can confirm that © Mike Doherty
Inspirational Project Award: TM), Tony (GTL), and Anna (TM).
the three winners are:
Showmen’s Mental Health
© Traveller Movement PRISONS: EQUAL
Professional: Dolly ACCESS TO
Aspiring: Albi Knight
Awareness Charity
GYPSY AND REHABILITATION COUNCILS TO GET £10
Junior: Hero Korycinska.
Arts, Culture and Heritage Award:
TRAVELLER LEAGUE MILLION FOR MORE
Josie O’Driscoll with compere Martin Beanz David G Pullar The Traveller Movement will be TRAVELLER SITES
Warde © Lauren Matthews The three winning entries have been A new Traveller-led charity is set visiting prisons in England to
Alexander Award for Lifetime investigate and then tackle any The government is set to provide
printed out as posters by Radical to tackle mental health among the
Achievement: Josie O’Driscoll barriers that may stop Gypsy funding for councils to build more
Traveller Arts and you will have one Gypsy and Traveller communities
and Traveller prisoners from Traveller sites in a bid to “level
of those winners as an insert in your To find out more visit the Friends, and is kicking off its campaign with
Dear readers. Welcome to a up” outcomes for Gypsy and
copy of the Travellers’ Times. You can Families and Travellers website at: a seven-a-side football and pool accessing potentially life-changing
bumper Spring/Summer 2022 Traveller people.
find out more at Radical Traveller Arts www.gypsy-traveller.org competition in the south and south rehabilitation programmes, such
Travellers’ Times Magazine. The £10 million fund, announced
at: www.rtarts.org.uk east of England. as education, well-being and
To celebrate our 70th issue, we employment classes. on the 20th March, is dedicated
PRIDE OF ROMANI The Gypsy and Traveller League
have four extra pages and a poster to making new permanent sites,
FRIENDS, FAMILIES AND has already been busy starting a “We need to ensure that Gypsy
insert which is the result of our A new grassroots Cheshire- improving existing ones, building
TRAVELLERS AWARDS 2022 website, a Facebook group, and and Traveller prisoners have equal
collaboration with Radical Traveller based organisation is holding a new transit sites and providing
has been visiting charities, including access to purposeful activities
Arts, whose art competition we The winners of the Friends, Families launch event and open day in temporary stopping places.
the Traveller Movement (pictured), in prisons and that they suit the
advertised in the last issue of the and Travellers Awards 2022 were Nantwich Civic Hall on the 24th The move was welcomed by
to get support for their project. needs of prisoners from those
magazine and on our website at announced on Wednesday, 16th June. To find out more contact Moving for Change, a charity
GTL organiser John Reilly said that communities,” said Traveller
www.travellerstimes.org.uk February at the Embassy of Ireland. prideofromani@gmail.com which supports the rights and
he hoped that the competitions Movement researcher Rebecca
Thompson. cultures of nomadic Gypsy and
Mike Doherty, Editor, Travellers’ Times would bring the Travelling
Rehabilitation programmes and Travelling people.
community together. He added
that one of the motivations of the prisoner group sessions ground to Adrian Jones, Policy Lead at
The Travellers’ Times is published by Rural Media. EDITOR: Mike Doherty |EDITOR AT LARGE: Damian Le Bas |PROJECT MANAGER: Julie Colman |YTT EDITOR: Lisa Smith
CONTENT PRODUCER: Charles Newland |The Travellers’ Times is the national magazine for Gypsies, Roma and Travellers, and people and organisations who work with them. GTL organisers was to tackle the a halt during the Covid pandemic Moving for Change, who worked
We are guided by our editorial group and strive for accuracy and fairness. |CONTACT US AT: Travellers’ Times, Packers House, 25 West Street, Hereford, HR4 0BX | 01432 344039 | “terrible” rate of suicide among as prisons shut down activities that tirelessly with the government to
travellerstimes@ruralmedia.co.uk | www.travellerstimes.org.uk young Gypsies and Travellers. could spread the virus. establish the fund, said that Gypsy
The Traveller Movement wants to and Traveller families need the
To find out more please
COVER PHOTO: SABINA RYBICKA © SZYMON GLOWACKI make sure that Gypsy and Traveller support of local authorities to
go to the GTL website at
TRAVELLERS’ TIMES ISSUE 70 NEWS WRITING CREDITS:
prisoners will not be forgotten or secure their future.
MIKE DOHERTY, JAKE BOWERS, TYLER HATWELL AND LESLIE DRURY
www.gypsytravellerleague.com
or direct by email and telephone at overlooked by the authorities as To find out more visit the Moving
gypsytravellerleague@gmail.com prisons open up and rehabilitation for Change website at
Travellers’ Times is a member of the Independent Press Standards Organisation. We abide by the Editors’ Code of Practice. If you want to make a complaint,
please contact travellerstimes@ruralmedia.co.uk. If you would like more information about IPSO or the Editors’ Code, contact IPSO on 0300 123 2220 or visit www.ipso.co.uk 07424 249 595 programmes kick in again. www.movingforchange.org.uk
2 |travellerstimes.org.uk TT ONLINE – YOUR VOICE ON THE INTERNET | 3
NEWS
NEWS SCOTLAND
UKRAINE ROMA FUNDRAISER
The European Roma Rights Centre has opened a fundraiser specifically
to support the Ukraine’s estimated half a million Roma population.
“Funds raised will help those trapped inside the country and those who Pray for the Ukrainian Roma: Nadiya, 45,
are trying to rebuild their lives elsewhere,” say the ERRC. “The money and family from Uzhhorod. Picture taken in
2018 before the Russian invasion
will be used to pay for gasoline, transport, and other things necessary © Alex Sturrock
to get human rights monitors in place to monitor the situation of
Romani refugees.”
ARTS COUNCIL
The fundraiser can be found online at OF WALES FUNDS
www.chuffed.org/project/human-rights-fund-for-roma EXCITING ART
PROJECT
The Romani Cultural and MAIN: St Boswell’s Fair 2021
© Rob Gray / Alamy Stock Photo
Arts Company are pleased to
LEFT: Eilidh McLeod © Eilidh McLeod
announce their new funding RIGHT: A roadside Traveller camp in Scotland
from the Arts Council of Wales to © Mike Pennington Wikimedia Commons
continue the trailblazing Gypsy
Maker project in Wales. ROADSIDE EDUCATION FOR YOUNG SCOTTISH TRAVELLERS
Gypsy Maker 5 will commission Young Gypsy/Travellers’ Lives: knowledge which will help them to seventh year, has supported young
Gypsy, Roma and Traveller artists Education at the Roadside is a get a new job or start a business. people from the Gypsy/Traveller
to produce new work to add to new project by the charity Article community with opportunies for
McLeod’s work on the project
the growing bank of Gypsy, Roma 12 in Scotland that reaches young capacity building, formal and
has included creating contacts
& Traveller art, knowledge and people who are shifting and living non-formal education, community
and partnerships with local
culture in Wales and beyond. roadside in North-East Scotland advocacy, and peer education.
GATE Herts workers Joseph Baker, Josie authorities, teachers, and others
O’Driscoll, Zahra Kazmi, Orla Dellow, Isaac Blake, Director of the and the Scottish Highlands. who work with roadside families. “It is important that the Travelling
Claire Rice © Mike Doherty
Romani Cultural & Arts Company, Article 12 says that the project She is now working directly community are respected, valued,
A NEW COMMUNITY said, “This project will strengthen will bringing opportunites to the supporting young people who and listened to,” said Eilidh
HUB FOR GATE HERTS the role of Gypsies, Roma and young people and families living in have been living roadside. McLeod. “It is critical to help
Darlington Light and Life missions ready to Travellers on the arts scene in remote or rural areas that are less young people with opportunities
A Herts-based Gypsy and Traveller “The impact of the project has
set off to Ukraine with donated aid © Light Wales, the UK and beyond.” often reached by formal services. to become independent, build
and Life Darlington charity is looking forward to helped young Gypsy/Travellers
continuing its work in their new Gypsy Maker 5 will provide a Eilidh McLeod, who has been learn new functional skills such as confidence, self-esteem, and form
DARLINGTON GYPSY community hub in the year ahead. platform for three artists, Imogen with Article 12 in Scotland since learning to use laptops, numeracy, their own identity,” she added.
CHURCH HEAD TO “It has been my professional and
Bright Moon, Corrina Eastwood 2018, is running the project. She and literacy,” says Eilidh McLeod. “Education at the Roadside plays
UKRAINE WITH AID personal pleasure to lead GATE
and Rosamaria Kostic Cisneros, to says, “This is an exciting and “Human rights workshops have a key role in developing their
The Darlington Light and Life develop their art practice. challenging project. helped them understand and skills and attitudes, creating
Herts though another year which
Gypsy Church opened its doors To find out more visit the Romani I’m privileged and excited to recognise their rights,” she added. opportunities for young travellers
has been a somewhat challenging
and announced it would take in Cultural & Arts Company website be working on the project as I “Providing informal education and to shape their own future. It
but successful one for us as we
aid for Ukrainian refugees. at www.romaniarts.co.uk know it will bring positive change access to information will empower promotes their personal and
continue to further our mission,”
to young Travellers’ lives, by them to make changes to the things social development which
The response to the appeal for says GATE Herts Chief Officer
breaking down some of the they want to change and help them enables them to have a voice,
donations to help refugees was Josie O’Driscoll as she reflected
prejudices and barriers they face reach their full potential.” influence, and a place within their
“overwhelming”, says Darlington on 2021.
in their day-to-day lives.” communities and society.”
Light and Life Missions. The community hub is a place Article 12 in Scotland is a
Funded by Moving for Change, Scotland-wide charity that To find out more about Education
“Both Light and Life Missions where Gypsies and Travellers can
the three-year pilot project will supports young people’s rights at the Roadside or to make a
members and the local community come along to and access the help
work with young Gypsy/Travellers and particularly works with young referral to the programme, you
surrounding the church got that they need. It was opened near
to address gaps in their education people from the Gypsy/Traveller can contact Eilidh McLeod at
together and their response was the end of 2021 and was made
Artworks left to right © Imogen Bright and work experience, enabling community. Its Young Gypsy/ 07896 885 771 or
overwhelming,” they added. “And possible through a grant by the Moon, Rosamaria Kostic Cisneros and
them to gain new skills and Travellers’ Lives Project, now in its eilidh@article12.org.
thanks be to God for that.” National Lottery Community Fund. Corrina Eastwood © RCAC
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4 |travellerstimes.org.uk
NEWS NEWS
© Jo Ellis Holland
SPRING INTO ACTION
Drive 2 Survive, the Gypsy and Traveller-led campaign against the
Police Bill, has had a busy winter campaigning at every opportunity
against the racist new laws that seek to entirely ban nomadic life from
England and Wales. In September it marked the 10-year anniversary of Tyler Hatwell being tested for HIV © Traveller Pride
the Dale Farm eviction with a protest in Essex; on Holocaust Memorial
Day in January, at Oxford University. It highlighted the parallels
between current attempts to ban travelling with Nazi attempts to the do TRAVELLER PRIDE MEET-UPS
Kizzy Lovell © Jake Bowers the same thing in the 1930s; and on March 8th it marked International Traveller Pride has launched At the most recent event on 12th
Women’s Day alongside prominent Gypsy, Roma and Traveller women. regular monthly meet-ups in March the centre was hosting free
FIRST AMONG On March 19th Drive 2 Survive led a march of over ten thousand London, with the next one HIV testing.
EQUALS people against all forms of racism through London with horses. scheduled for 23rd April. Held in “It’s quick, painless and it’s so
But with the law making its way through parliament undefeated, the London LGBTQ+Community important to know your status.
The East Sussex town of Hastings
the campaign is now preparing to begin working to directly support Centre, the popular events are The guys delivering it were from Traveller Pride © Traveller Pride
is thought to be the first place
Gypsies and Travellers who are very likely to have it used against there to give LGBTQ+ Travellers a METRO, who funded us to go to
in Britain to erect a statue of a
them. When the law is passed, which may be as soon as April 2022, space to meet and find out more Pride in 2019! If you can’t get to with all that already spoken for, we
Romany hero. On April 1st it
it will create a new offence of criminal trespass that specifically targets about Traveller Pride in a relaxed, a drop-in there’s plenty of online can just have a lovely day,” said
installed a statue of Kizzy Lovell
Gypsies and Travellers who have nowhere else to go. sober and accessible space. services who can post a test to Percy, one attendee.
in Gensing Gardens, St Leonards.
Kizzy was the main character of “Part Four is a direct assault on the traditional way of life of Gypsy and Traveller Pride was launched in you,” continued Tyler. “It honestly makes me feel so
the 1972 book, The Diddakoi Traveller communities,” says Drive 2 Survive co-chair Sherrie Smith. 2019 at Pride in London where The meet-ups are from 1pm-4pm incredible and emotional to have
which was set in the nearby town “When it is passed a new offence of criminal trespass with ‘intent to reside’ they were the first-ever group of in the London LGBTQ+ Community a space I know I won’t be judged
of Rye and turned into a BBC TV will be created with fines of up to £2500, along with the seizure of homes LGBTQ+Travellers to march at Centre, directly by Blackfriars in. There’s no need to come out,
series in the 1970s. The book, and imprisonment as punishment. It likely to traumatise and brutalise a Pride parade in the UK. They Station. Attracting a wide range any questions are just normal chat
which is 50 years old this year, families that simply have nowhere else to go.” have since become a registered of the community from across rather than scrutiny,” added Nicole
organisation, appeared on the the country, they are meant to be who had travelled from Brighton.
is the first to explore the issue of Drive 2 Survive have received funding from the Joseph Rowntree
BBC in “Cherry Valentine: Gypsy low-stress, sober spaces to connect Traveller Pride plans to launch a
anti-Gypsy bullying in schools. Charitable Trust to provide mobile human rights advocates who can
Queen and Proud” and are in the and to feel that you will be neither northern meet-up soon, and hosts
In the sculpture Romany artist directly advise people of their rights when having the new law enforced
process of launching a series of judged for being a Traveller or for online spaces for those who cannot
blacksmith Jake Bowers has used a against them. The mobile advocates will also be gathering evidence of
services for the community. not being straight. make it in person. They still run
white-hot forge, the original Gypsy human rights abuses for Gypsy and Traveller lawyers who are poised to
bring strategic legal challenges. The advocates will work with Gypsies “It’s a really exciting time for “It is really something to spend a their Trans solidarity fund, phone
craft, to depict the defiant woman
and Travellers from every background because Drive 2 Survive believes the group,” says founder and whole day around people that are line and binder service and are
Kizzy Lovell may have become
the law is a direct attack on the human rights of all. executive director Tyler Hatwell. more or less like myself, knowing looking at which Pride events to
in steel. Working with Year 10
“We’ve got a lot of publicity that I’m not either going to have attend this year.
students at the Hastings Academy So if you feel that your human rights as Gypsies and Travellers are
since the documentary and we’re to be hiding or over-explaining
and Gypsy and Traveller volunteers being abused by this or any other law we want to hear directly from
getting more and more LGBTQ+ Traveller stuff to LGBT people or
across Sussex, together they have you. If you want us to advocate on your behalf you simply need to call
Travellers turning up and hiding or having to teach 101 on
forged a Romani heroine that will us on our dedicated mobile hotline on 07840 979 302
getting involved.” gay stuff to other GRT people. So
last for many years. www.drive2survive.org.uk
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6 |travellerstimes.org.uk
NO ONE
MAIN: © Szymon Glowacki
LEFT: Sabina Rybicka’s ghetto papers.
© Szymon Glowacki
EVER ASKED
RIGHT: Roma boys in Poland with German
soldiers during World War Two.
Picture courtesy of the Robert Dawson
Collection www.robertdawson.co.uk
It is the beginning of November, I am calling my carriage. The stench of sweat, faeces and fear. There
grandmother to let her know that I will be visiting is no air. People are dying. I am scared. Someone
Poland soon, and I would like to interview her about told us that we are being sent to Russia, Sibir. I didn’t
the past. She is reluctant. I am trying to explain to know what it means but soon I was to find out that.
an older Roma woman Holocaust Memorial Day The first thing that comes to my mind when I think
and its importance. She doesn`t understand. “Why about that time is hunger. That and cold. I cannot
would someone be interested in Romas and what remember how long we were there. Days turned
has happened to us?” she says. I knew I needed into weeks and months. Maybe years? Every day
to change my approach. I couldn’t use the word looked almost the same. Apart from one thing; your
“interview” anymore. “I would just like to talk to relatives dying or being killed. One never can get
you a little bit about travelling in caravans, life back used to that.
then, how you met grandad”. I couldn’t see her but I
We had to work very hard for no money. Maybe the
knew she was smiling then. She still misses him.
remuneration was staying alive? My mother did not
You pay – she says laughing? have shoes. Her feet froze and eventually had to
I am broke. be amputated. Sometimes I would sneak out of the
I’ll see you soon son. camp, which was not heavily guarded and go to a
A few weeks later I am sitting in front of my village and beg for some bread. We all learnt new
grandmother. The tea is as always; way too strong words: tuberculosis, scarlatina, dysenteric, typhus.
and very sweet. I can see she is getting tired. There are things she
I am starting with a very simple question: what doesn’t want to talk about.
is your name? Sabina Rybicka. How about your She stands up and goes to a wardrobe. After
Roma name? – Incioro. Yes, Roma have two names. a few minutes, she comes back with a little bag
Official for admin purpose. That’s a name for the wrapped in a white kitchen towel.
non-Roma world and Roma name. The one they are We managed to come back to Poland. Those of us My grandmother then
attached to more. who still were alive. It was still the war. We were started to unwrap the little
How old are you? She laughs a bit. Not because you hiding in forests. Our caravans were not anymore package, in the white kitchen
shouldn’t ask a woman about her age but because colourful or big. We did not want to be visible. towel, that she had retrieved from
she simply doesn’t know. “I am old but I do not know Instead of fifty caravans now there were just a few. It the wardrobe earlier. Inside the
how old I am” felt lonely. bag is some old documentation.
Tell me something about the past, something you Your grandfather Ludwik`s tribe was still travelling My family was still hiding but we
remember – I ask her. around this time. From what I know – it was a pretty were captured again.
I had a big family. Our camp was made of over fifty big camp. Around sixty people They just arrived at a This is my ghetto ID. I have no
caravans. Our caravan was stunning. It had floral new place. His father at this time was in Auschwitz. words to describe how it was
paintings all over it and wooden dragon statues; you Ludwik was sent by his mother to a neighbouring there. Again hunger, biting up.
know; to protect us from bad luck. I remember us kids village just to see what was there. When he was People dying all around. One
playing in the forest. Women would take care of their about to come back to the caravan camp, some loses hope. A lot of people tried
families. They would cook and do laundry in the river. Poles stopped him and said not to go there because to escape. Some succeeded but
Evenings were the most beautiful. A lot of singing and the Nazi ambushed the caravan camp. He tried those who were caught were
dancing around the bonfire. Older people told stories to run away but they forced him not to go. When killed straight away. Two of my
about ghosts and old fairytales. Then everything eventually he got there, the whole caravan camp had sisters died in the ghetto. A lot of
changed. She is silent for few minutes. been murdered. His mother, his siblings – everyone. my family members died there as
All killed by the Nazi. The Poles were burying them. well, and in concentration camps.
We were captured in the forest. My whole family.
Some of us survived.
That one day changed everything. I was a little girl He said once that the air had a scent of death.
and I did not understand what was happening but I Have you ever spoken about
Many years later he tried to go back there. To pay
knew that there was something bad going on. that gran?
his respect. Sometimes we would get close, but then
It is dark. The air is heavy. It has to be like that when he would stop and say: I cannot do it. He never No, no one ever asked.
a lot of people are stuck for days in a closed train went there. By Szymon Glowacki
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8 |travellerstimes.org.uk
TROT ON FOR
ADELAIDE!
On a chilly and rainy Sunday in December 2021, over
100 ‘lots’ (horses and carts) met in Wapping, East
London, to take part in the London Christmas Drive.
The drive ended up in Borough Market, south of the
River Thames. The route took in all the major sights
of London, including Buckingham Palace, a busy
West End and Piccadilly Circus and Soho.
The drive was organised on social media to raise
money for a sweet little girl called Adelaide, who
will need life-long care from her friends and family.
“I see the horse drives as the “new/old…,” says
Romany Gypsy Sally Barter. “They are one of the
elements from our culture which has had a big
revival in the past few years.
It’s a community-led national movement and
these drives are often held for charitable reasons
to raise funds for an unwell child or in memory of
a respected figure from the Traveller community.
They are well-organised, self-policed to ensure
safety, and publicised on social media and I
feel they highlight the best of one of the most
important aspects of Gypsy and Traveller culture,
which is our horses.”
Photos by © Donna Holpin and Mike Doherty
10 |travellerstimes.org.uk TT ONLINE – YOUR VOICE ON THE INTERNET | 11
THE LAST STOPPING PLACE
JIMMY CARR – NOT Writer Ray Wills, affectionately Each tale has a rich historical
GETTING AWAY WITH IT known as the Gypsy Poet, is a
writer of fiction and non-fiction,
background in which Travellers
tell of their lives working as brick
poetry and prose. He has now makers, at the fairgrounds and
turned his pen to this stunning new on designated Traveller sites or
novel entitled “The Last Stopping on the road in search of new
Luton Roma Trust protest local Jimmy Carr show Place”. adventures or vital stopping
© Mike Doherty
places.
BOTTOM RIGHT: Billy Welch – ‘There are many still This is Rays eighth book based the northern towns of the U.S.A.
alive who witnessed the brutality of what happened’ on the Gypsy Traveller community There are tales of remote All are told within an imaginative
© Mike Doherty
and only his second novel. It is a sleepy villages, the creation of unique extensive collection of the
splendid collection of enthralling a woodland community in the authors poetry and prose, so sit
tales built around the theme of heart of England where two back on your wagon and enjoy
“stopping places”, a topic of much sisters enrich the lives of both the ride.
concern to the present Gypsy Travellers and non-Gypsies alike,
Ray’s books are available to
Comedian’s Roma Holocaust Traveller community. tales of military life and life in
buy on Amazon.
‘joke’ sparks almost universal
condemnation.
In his Christmas special His Dark Material broadcast
on Netflix, Jimmy Carr ‘joked’ about the suffering and
murder of “thousands” of “Gypsies” in the Holocaust, WHO ARE YOU FIGHTING
calling it “a positive”. A clip of the ‘joke’ came to FOR, MR. CARR?
light when it was uploaded to social media earlier
Who are you fighting for, Mr. Carr?
this year and went viral, drawing almost universal
You know, my Great grandfather was
condemnation.
Murdered
So, when the Jimmy Carr show rolled into the In the blitzing
Dunstable Grove Theatre for a sell-out performance, Of Bristol Temple Meads.
the Luton Roma Trust and supporters, including the 1940, a Railway Man and
Travellers’ Times Editor and the Revd Rachel Phillips A Gypsy Man,
rector of a local church, gathered outside with placards Born to Norwood Workhouse,
and a Romani flag. Worked his way to
Safety,
We were there to make our views known, to support
Took his family with him.
the local Roma community, and to remember the Roma
The year my mother was born,
and Sinti victims of the Holocaust.
Babe in arms only two weeks,
Billy Welch, Shera Rom and Appleby Fair Romany And he was taken.
Gypsy lead, also condemned Carr’s ‘joke’ and She cannot take the train to Bristol
TOP ROW, LEFT TO RIGHT: Kushti Bok
invited the comedian along to the Auschwitz death Again, and I, founder Betty Billington © Mike Doherty.
camp memorial to join the annual August 2nd No matter how much I wait Samuel White, Bill Rogers (left) with BOTTOM ROW, LEFT TO RIGHT:
commemoration of the slaughter of the Roma and Sinti For His ghost friend – also a Romany Gypsy. Caleb Terence Hope, Solomon Keet, Isaac White.
Smith – Betty Billington’s daddy.
by the Nazis. On the platform,
I cannot tell him Thank You
Speaking to Cumbria Live, Billy Welch said: “His
so-called joke was so offensive because there are
many still living who witnessed the brutality of what
Grandfather,
Nor refrain your comedy, THEY DID THEIR BIT Betty Smith Packman-Billington, the Chair of Kushti
Bok explains: “Every Remembrance Day the photos
For the dead are always listening. come out and go on Facebook. We love putting
happened, and many more who lost their families in
On Saturday 13th of November, the Travellers’ them on Facebook and telling people about all our
barbarous and sadistic murders. Making a joke of it is
Times visited a very special event put on by Kushti ancestors. They were in the war and they played their
too painful.”
(In Memoriam, John Reuben Draper, Bok, the Dorset-based Romany GRT rights charity. part. I want them recognised. I spoke to one lady a
Jimmy Carr has not responded to any Gypsy, Roma or 1891-1940) The event was to honour the Romany Gypsies and couple of days ago. She was a lovely lady, but when
Traveller appeals for an apology and to meet up and find Poem by Imogen Bright Moon Travellers who served in the forces during both I told her what I was doing, she said ‘ooh Betty, I
out more about the Roma Holocaust. the World Wars and some of the armed conflicts never knew that Gypsies played their part in the
that followed. armed forces.’ This is what people believe.”
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12 |travellerstimes.org.uk
MAIN: Channel Lee
All images © Donna Holpin
CUSHTY! Joe Smith in his Cushty TV studio © Mike Doherty
First published to critical acclaim as Gypsy Joe, with crime. His role models were thugs and crooks, no
The Observer selecting it as Sports Book Of The Year, longer sportsmen. Only when prison loomed did he
Cushty is a revised and expanded edition that brings reflect on his life. Remembering his promise to Rymer,
Joe Smith’s story up to date. he spurned the underworld and returned to golf.
Joe spent his early years travelling, his father metal- Cushty is not only a story of redemption, but also
dealing and mother selling lucky heather, and as an uplifting account of Joe Smith’s determination to
an infant he was encouraged by grandfather Rymer realise his dream.
to take up golf. When Rymer died suddenly, Joe Cushty is available to buy on Amazon.
promised to become a professional golfer. Trophies The Travellers’ Times went to visit Joe Smith and we
PHOTO-STORY followed, but not everyone was happy about his found out that he also runs a YouTube TV Channel
LET’S GO
success. False accusations were made and he was called Cushty TV, and it’s well worth a look. We will
asked to leave his beloved golf club. The effect on also soon be publishing an interview with Joe Smith
Joe’s self-esteem and game was devastating. Anger on our website at www.travellerstimes.org.uk, so
SHOPPING!
burned as he fell into bare-knuckle fighting and watch that space!
The Ash Spring Shopping Fair, which took place in Surrey in early April,
was a great success, says organiser Chanel Lee. SURREY Surrey Community Action, a local charity in Surrey,
SKILLS
has launched a tutoring project to deliver a wide
Chanel has been organising the shopping fairs to support Gypsy and
range of learning support. This could include
Traveller stall holders when the traditional horse fairs are not running.
learning how to read and write, fill in forms, create
Travellers’ Times photographer, Donna Holpin, went along to record
a CV, use the internet or manage a budget.
the event. Are you a Gypsy and Vicky Nash, Skills Impact Co-ordinator and Tutor
“All the stall holders did very well, lots of people came, and we were Traveller age 18+? said: “We want to give people extra skills to help
lucky with the spring weather with the rain holding off until the end,” Want to learn to read them in everyday life. Sessions can take place at
says Chanel Lee. and write? Are you home or in a local venue like a coffee shop. We
“We are planning another Ash Shopping Fair at the end of July, start of home educating and can teach students to read and write from scratch,
August sometime, and we will be repeating last year’s very successful want to learn more learn a new subject or improve existing skills. You
Christmas Shopping Fair.” skills to teach the may want to learn how to write better emails or
children? Want to Vicki Nash © Surrey
Anyone interested in coming along or bringing a practise the driving theory test – we can teach Community Action
stall can contact Chanel Lee through her website at learn something new anything! We put together a plan with the student
londonfifthavenuejewellery.com. Also check the Travellers’ Times completely? We can that works best around their lives – so if you are working or looking after
social media for Ash Shopping Fair promotions. teach anything! family, that’s not a problem.”
Contact Vicky on 07395 117392 or email vickyn@surreyca.org.uk
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I RECALL A GYPSY
WOMAN – CHARLOTTE
PECKHAM’S STORY
Millie Cooper speaks to Charlotte Peckham
about her singing career, her passion for
country music and breaking down
stereotypes on disabilities.
Charlotte Peckham is a 26-year-old Romany singer and performer from Kent, whose ABOVE: The faster you find out things, the
passion is getting up on the karaoke and belting out a country tune for all her family and faster you can get treatment, says Lena
friends to enjoy. Charlotte has been singing since she was five years old and regularly McAllister. Macmillan are good at helping
to pick you up from those low days, says
sings on Facebook on a page called ‘The Live Bar’, with viewers spanning across the Chris Smith
globe from South Africa to America! Charlotte has had over 10K views on her live HEALTH AND MENTAL HEALTH
singing events. As well as her success online Charlotte frequently goes to ‘The
Bounty’ in Strood for a knees-up to country classics.
Because Charlotte has learning difficulties, sometimes life can be challenging.
MACMILLAN CANCER SUPPORT
However, Charlotte has found singing to be an amazing creative outlet and The Travellers’ Times, Macmillan Cancer Support Macmillan often have a bus and a stall at Appleby
has found so much confidence in herself through her performing. Charlotte charity, and Gypsy and Traveller people from across Horse Fair. They can provide health advice, advice on
tells me how she can listen to a song a few times and know the melody England have teamed up to make a video showing you how to deal with the NHS and your doctor, financial
and the words almost instantly. She now has her own kit and 1950’s how you can get advice and support if you, or a friend, advice and how to access benefits, and also emotional
microphone to complete the show stopping look. ‘I recall a Gypsy or a family member have cancer, or think you may support. You can speak to them on the phone,
woman’ by Don Williams is a song Charlotte loves to sing, which need to get checked up for it. online using their ‘webchat’ or by dropping in to an
is always a sure crowd pleaser. We know that ‘Cancer’ is a scary word. Some of us do information desk.
Charlotte comes from a long line of singers. When talking talk about it, some call it ‘the bad disease’ or the ‘c’ “The faster you find out things, the faster you can get
to Charlotte’s mother Esther and her Granny Lily, they all word and some of us won’t talk about it at all, and we treatment, try not to bury your head in the sand and
describe how important music is to Gypsy Culture and understand why – but there is no doubt that with the keep on,” says Romany Gypsy Lena McAllister.
how it brings families together. Lily goes on to discuss right help and advice you and your family members Macmillan’s national support line is also open every
how her mother and aunts would sing at weddings, can be better supported through it. Macmillan are day between 8am to 8pm. Anyone affected by cancer
christenings and at Christmas and at the end of the there to provide that support to you. can call free on 0808 808 00 00. The website, www.
evening it would bring everyone together. Storytelling, poetry “What Macmillan are good at, is helping to pick you macmillan.org.uk, has lots of information and an
and rhyme is a huge part of Romany culture and singing is up from those low days and helping you to move on,” option for you to chat to an expert online.
another form of storytelling for many families. says Romany Gypsy Chris Smith, 62.
Charlotte is extremely proud of her singing and how far she has When we first started this film with Macmillan, we were
come with it. She would like to thank ‘Karaoke King’ Charlie Driver, told by many Gypsies and Travellers that, “If Macmillan
who is a good friend of Charlotte’s, and who sings with her at The want to know how to engage with us, just ask us”. So
ounty in Strood. that’s what the Travellers’ Times and Macmillan did
To become a famous singer and tour around the world is Charlotte’s and our video is co-created with the help and support
dream for the future. Charlotte is a huge inspiration for all young of the Gypsy and Traveller community.
Romany women out there. She has overcome many struggles and is You can find and watch the video on our website at
breaking boundaries and stereotypes about learning difficulties by travellerstimes.org.uk
showing her singing talents and beaming with confidence when she Macmillan are a charity dedicated to helping people
does it. suffering from cancer. Their services are free and they
are independent of the National Health Service and
By Millie Cooper your local hospital and doctors. The Macmillan bus at Appleby Fair © Natasha Quarmby
TT ONLINE – YOUR VOICE ON THE INTERNET | 17
16 |travellerstimes.org.uk
THE BRIGHTEST AND BIGGEST
STAR IN THE SKY
Our much-loved son Jimmy Smith was 24 years old when he took his
own life on the 20th January 2020. Jimmy was a loving father to his
beautiful daughter Dolcie, who was three when he died. Jim is one of
HEALTH AND MENTAL HEALTH four boys.
DON’T SUFFER
OUR ACTIVITIES Jimmy worked as a plasterer, he was a natural and he really enjoyed
it and would often talk about gaining more qualifications and then
FREE THERAPY AND COUNSELLING:
running his own business. Jimmy had plans for the future.
IN SILENCE!
• The charity has its own mental
health nurse who takes self-referrals We all miss Jim more than words could ever say. The pain we feel
online, and can assess your current is relentless. There is the knowing he will never drive through the
concerns, whilst getting you set up gate again or ring us or walk through the door or a million other
with a private therapy plan. little things.
Break the stigma © SMHC
• We can also help with funding for Dolcie asks us questions and we answer as honestly as we can. Some Jimmy Smith © Mike Doherty
private psychiatric assessments days Dolcie will just say she wants to go to “daddy’s flowers” and so
including (but not limited to) OCD we go. Dolcie says her daddy is the “brightest and biggest star in the
I remember reading this on a Facebook post sky,” and when we let balloons off for Jim’s birthday she will shout
and ADHD.
before putting my phone down and ignoring “catch them daddy!” This little girl is trying to make sense of what us
calls from my friends. Talking about my adults cannot.
mental health whilst growing up as a travelling EDUCATION:
After Jim’s death I came to realise that he had to have been in
Showman was never something that crossed • We provide educational projects.
darkness but now he was in the light – a small comfort but a comfort
my mind. Even after the passing of my friend These include mental health within
nonetheless. How I wish he would have reached out and asked for
to suicide, my father, brother, and I sat in an hospital waiting the fairground industry workshops
help, but he never did, he kept it all in.
room, reluctant to turn to each other and talk about the inner and large one day events across
workings of our minds. the UK. Why didn’t he confide in any of us? Did he think we would judge
him and label him as “not right in the head’, or ‘a dinlo’, or ‘he’s
I thought anxiety was a myth before having my first panic attack at
got bad nerves’? As Travellers we have all heard these terms and
24. I can still feel the dread that rushed over me. I thought I was AWARENESS: more growing up, but things have to change. What we are teaching
going to die. Soon, the anxiety moved into depression, which I often Check out our social media and Jimmy Smith with Dolcie courtesy of
our children? We are teaching them not to say anything because
refer to as ‘getting your trailer stuck in the mud, and not being able website for upcoming events and news: Donna Smith
Travellers, especially men, are strong and fearless and mental health
to get it out’. It was here everything changed, and I began to write Twitter: issues do not affect them. We are teaching them that to reach out and
down exactly what was going on and to seek support. @ShowmensCharity ask for help is weakness.
I had what I refer to as ‘the fear’. The fear of being judged in Instagram:
We have to let our children know that we will listen, we will help,
everything I do, the fear of failing and not being good enough, @showmensmentalhealth
if they don’t want to speak to family there are other people who
and the fear of letting my family down. Have you ever felt like Facebook:
will listen and help, all they have to do is reach out and that this is
that? After writing down my thoughts, I did some research and The Showmen’s Mental Health
strength, not weakness.
planned. I created a mental health plan, and most importantly – Awareness Charity
started to talk. Website: There are many organisations that are only a phone call away and
www.showmensmentalhealth.com One Call Away is a telephone service for the GRT community, run by
The Showmen’s Mental Health Awareness Charity started from a
good travelling people that speak as we do.
conversation, and the collective hurt of frequently losing friends to
suicide. Together, we began to talk and listen to many friends going OUR TRUSTEES If awareness is not raised and we as a community do not start taking
through the same things, with different generations and genders Xenna Murphy, Shelby Holmes, this seriously, we will continue to bury our loved ones. Our story could
talking about mental health and attempting to ‘Break the Stigma’. Bradley Wright, Devon Hill, Ryan be yours and we would never want any family to feel as we do.
We are a charity founded and run by people from the Showmen Barwick, and Sheldon Chadwick By Donna Smith
and fairground community. Our aim is to break the stigma around If you are interested in volunteering for
mental health in our community. This includes providing support, the charity please send us an email. If you are affected by the issues raised in this article and need
information and mental health services to all Showmen in the UK someone to talk to call One Call Away on 07748 997 617 or the Dolcie visiting ‘daddy’s flowers’ courtesy
and Ireland (all ages). By Sheldon Chadwick Samaritans on 116 123 of Donna Smith
TT ONLINE – YOUR VOICE ON THE INTERNET | 19
18 |travellerstimes.org.ukHELPLINES AND
USEFUL WEBSITES
GYPSY, ROMA AND TRAVELLER
NATIONAL SUPPORT GROUPS GENERAL
GATE HERTS DRIVE2SURVIVE: SAMARITANS
Community Lead Organisation For A national GRT led campaign 116 123
Gypsy, Roma and Travellers charity set up to oppose the new www.samaritans.org
01707 247 088 anti-Traveller laws. For advice and
information call
gateherts.org.uk
07840 979302 or CHILD LINE:
hub@gateherts.org.uk
07903 198022 0800 1111
FRIENDS FAMILIES & www.drive2survive.org.uk www.childline.org.uk
TRAVELLERS
ROMA SUPPORT GROUP
Working on behalf of all Gypsies, NATIONAL DOMESTIC
Supporting and empowering the
Roma and Travellers regardless or Roma community. VIOLENCE
ethnicity, culture or background Helpline:
07949 089778
01273 234777 0808 2000 247
info@romasupportgroup.org.uk
LEEDS GYPSY AND
REPORT RACISM GRT WOMEN’S AID
TRAVELLER EXCHANGE
Report Hate Crime against (DOMESTIC ABUSE)
Confidential support and Gypsies, Roma and Travellers
advocacy for Gypsies and www.womensaid.org
reportracismgrt.com
Travellers living in or passing
through West Yorkshire MIND: FOR BETTER
TRAVELLER MOVEMENT
0113 240 2444 MENTAL HEALTH
Providing support and advice
nationally to Gypsies and 0300 123 3393
LGBT TRAVELLER PRIDE Travellers visit our website www.mind.org.uk
Advice and support for LGBTQ+ www.travellermovement.org.uk
Gypsies, Roma and Travellers 0207 607 2002
info@travellermovement.org.uk ALCOHOLICS
07395 355066 ANONYMOUS:
travellerlgbtpride@gmail.com
TRAVELLING AHEAD 0800 9177 650
www.lgbttravellerpride.com
Support & advice for Gypsy,
ONE CALL AWAY Roma and Traveller communities MACMILLAN
across Wales CANCER SUPPORT
Gypsy & Traveller Mental Health
and Support 0808 802 0025 Providing physical, financial
travellingahead@tgpcymru.org.uk and emotional support to
07748 997617
people living with cancer
TRAVELLERS ADVICE TEAM and their families.
PRIDE OF ROMANI Legal advice and support
Community-lead organisation based for Gypsies and Travellers 0808 808 00 00
in Cheshire facing eviction www.macmillan.org.uk
prideofromani@gmail.com 0121 685 8677 7 days a week, 8am–8pm
Travellers’ Times has loads of other useful
advice and support numbers on our website
visit www.travellerstimes.org.uk/adviceYou can also read
