Highlights of GRTHM 2009
GRTHM in Lewisham
Lewisham in London had a rich and successful GRTHM in 2009. They produced a small PDF document to record what happened.
Download Lewisham TES PDF [1.9mb] >
The document declares: "This year's Gypsy Roma Traveller History Month again has given us all a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the rich history and culture of the Travelling communities and helped broaden our experience of the lives of Gypsy Roma Traveller communities."
GRTHM in Lewisham, organised by Lewisham Traveller Education Service included a day conference (with live music), film shows, work within schools and a concert by The London Gypsy Orchestra.
Storytelling Competition
We received over 800 entries covering all five key stage categories in 2009's nation competition for schools.
The winners of competition were invited to an awards ceremony that took place at Leeds Civic Hall in November 2009.
Celebration in Essex
The Traveller Education Service working in partnership with Essex Record Office and Essex Cultural Diversity Project held an event that included; displays, arts/crafts, poetry, step dancing, accordion music and a viewing of the film Gypsy Caravan: When the Road Bends.
Pictures from Bourne Hall
A free event took place at Bourne Hall, in Ewell Kent, on the 20th June. The day included wagons, horses, music, peg making, and food.
Action-Packed Event
Housing organisation Central & Cecil celebrated Gypsy Roma Traveller History month on June 30 with an action-packed event at the Haringey Irish Centre, which was attended by approximately 150 people.
Photo Essay for GRTHM
To coincide with GRTHM, the Guardian Newspaper presented a gallery of 18 images by photographer and writer Zsuzsanna Ardó which documents her recent time in a Roma community in Harghita County in Transylvania, Romania. A photography book 'How Long Is the Journey?', about the Hungarian Roma, will be published later this year.
Getting Involved in Wales
Local community members, Black Voluntary Sector Network Wales (BVSNW) and a partnership of local organisations and agencies came together to hold an event to celebrate GRTHM 2009 in Cardiff on Tuesday 30 June. The day event included a talent show, exhibitions, Dukkering (fortune-telling), music, performances and guest speakers.
The one-day event was the first of its kind in Wales and the organisers are already planning a bigger festival next year with events throughout Wales.
Visit the BBC South East Wales website to read more, including an interview with National GRTHM co-ordinator Patricia Knight, and a performance by Kathleen Cassidy (pictured above).
2009 Highlights and Reviews
Bringing the House Down
On the 1st June Gypsies, Roma and Travellers gathered in Portcullis House, London to launch their second annual Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month.
Achievements in Leeds
The successes and achievements of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller children in Leeds' schools were celebrated at a special event at Leeds Civic Hall was attended by the Lord Mayor of Leeds and members of the Gypsy Roma Traveller community.
Live Music
Members of The London Gypsy Orchestra played live on the Passport World Music show on London community radio SW1. They were part of a show celebrating Gypsy, Roma and Traveller music as part of GRTHM 2009. Read more and listen >
Appleby Fair Recording
Listen to a recording specially made by four year-eight students at Appleby Grammar school with Jake Bowers.
Click here to listen (opens a new window) >
Click here to listen to a shorter version - but with images.
Pavee Céilidh in London
Irish Travellers from round the country went to the launch of a DVD made by The Irish Traveller Movement on 12th June at the Hammersmith Irish Cultural Centre in Blacks Road, Hammersmith.
KAL a Serbian Gypsy Band have played a few UK dates during GRTHM, including headlining the Celebration Sanctuary Festival at Coin St on London's South Bank on Sunday 14th June.
Art Exhibition - International Roma Artist Ferdinand Koci had an exhibition in Leeds as part of their celebrations. Find out more and read about the opening night.
The London Borough of Redbridge produced a poster celebrating Gypsy Roma Traveller curriculum work that they have done in schools.
Click on the image to see a larger version.
