THE MAGAZINE FOR GYPSIES, ROMA & TRAVELLERS AUTUMN 2019 | ISSUE 66 | FREE | WWW.TRAVELLERSTIMES.ORG.UK

THE GRAFFITI KIDS YOUNG TRAVELLERS GET CREATIVE

INSIDE: NEWS, TRAVELLER PRIDE, TRAVELLER MOVEMENT, PETE’S TRUST, LEE GAP FAIR, FILM, SOLAR POWER! THE STAR IN HODDESDON WAS ONE OF THE PUBS THAT CLOSED EDITORIAL NEWS © MIKE DOHERTY

STOP PRESS: POLITICIANS “WE’RE CALLING PLEDGE SUPPORT FOR ON MPS TO GRT COMMUNITIES STAND UP A ‘pledge card’ has been launched which AGAINST THE allows MPs to declare their support for APPALLING Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities RACISM MANY in the United Kingdom. MEMBERS OF GYPSY, Speaking about the pledge card, Sarah ROMA AND Mann, Director of Friends, Families and TRAVELLER Travellers, said she hoped more MPs LONDON GYPSIES AND TRAVELLERS AND THEIR LEGAL STAFF FROM FRIENDS, FAMILIES AND TRAVELLERS HOLD UP THE PLEDGE CARD © FFT TEAM OUTSIDE THE ROYAL COURTS OF JUSTICE IN LONDON COMMUNITIES would take the pledge: SHOPS AND ON THE DAY OF THEIR VICTORY © MIKE DOHERTY EXPERIENCE Despite the success of Travellers’ Times over the last 20 years, it’s “We’re calling on MPs to stand up ON A DAILY PUBS CLOSE important that we keep looking forward. The world is changing against the appalling racism many BASIS AND TO ever more quickly and it’s vital that TT moves with the times, and members of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller ANTI-TRAVELLER FOR TRAVELLER TAKE SERIOUS that we continue to listen closely to the views of our readers be communities experience on a daily basis ACTION ON INJUNCTIONS GIRL’S FUNERAL they online or in print. In August TT’s Damian Le Bas and Lisa and to take serious action on the long- THE LONG- EUROPEAN COMMISSION IN BRUSSELS © DIMITRIS VETSIKAS Smith, together with Rural Media’s Development Manager, Rich standing shortage of places for Gypsy ravellers have reacted with anger STANDING RULED EUROPEAN Matthews travelled around England meeting with our readers and Traveller communities to live.” after shops and pubs closed across SHORTAGE OF and some Gypsy and Traveller organisations and their members. UNLAWFUL IN two counties on the day of a PLACES FOR Pledge cards have already been signed T COMMISSION Views were expressed honestly and passionately, giving the TT young girl’s funeral. GYPSY AND by Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer team a vast array of ideas and suggestions for where TT should HIGH COURT SLAMS UK TRAVELLER John McDonnell, Kate Green MP, Deidre Sixteen-year-old Mary Beary’s funeral go over the next five years or so. n application by the London COMMUNITIES Brock MP, Lloyd Russell-Moyle MP, Alex took place in Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire. GOVERNMENT Borough of Bromley for an Unsurprisingly most young people wanted to see more short TO LIVE.” Sobel MP and Catherine West MP. Hundreds of family and friends came to injunction prohibiting camping national Gypsy-led organisation videos, including films produced by themselves, both drama and A pay their respects. Organisations backing the pledge cards by “persons unknown” on their land has urged the UK Government to factual, and shared on Facebook and newer social media apps include Friends, Families and Travellers, has been refused by the High Court A Traveller man who was at the take note of a recent European such as TikTok. There were lots of suggestions for improving the A the National Federation of Gypsy and after a successful legal challenge by a funeral called the decisions to close Commission report on Gypsy, Roma and TT magazine like bringing back adverts, starting a comic strip, Traveller Liaison Groups, the Gypsy Gypsy and Traveller charity. “racist”, adding, “how is this right in Traveller (GRT) inequalities in the UK. changing the design, and distributing it more widely at fairs, Council, London Gypsies and Travellers, this day and age?” doctors’ surgeries and schools. A big thank you to everyone who Debby Kennett, Chief Executive The EC report assessed progress in key the Traveller Movement, GATE Herts, took part in the consultation events in August. We’ll be holding of London Gypsies and Travellers (LGT), Two of the pubs that shut were owned UK Government policy areas and found Roma Support Group, Derbyshire Gypsy more events around the UK over the coming months, as well as said she was absolutely delighted with by JD Wetherspoons. that the situation had “worsened”. Liason Group and Leeds GATE. analysing the results from TT’s Big Survey. In the Spring issue the outcome. “The Judge recognised “The decision was made by the Siobhan Spencer, Trustee and of TT we will publish detailed plans for how UK’s Gypsy and To read more about pledge cards go to: that Gypsies and Travellers have been company and was subsequently Coordinator of the National Federation Traveller communities can ensure the success of Travellers’ Times www.gypsy-traveller.org/pledge-card- present in this country for hundreds of endorsed by the police,” said a of Gypsy Liaison Groups, said that the for the next 20 years! asking-your-mp-to-sign-up/ years and that their traditional way of Wetherspoon spokesperson. report showed that the UK Government life is protected under human rights and Nic Millington, Rural Media CEO TT News needed to do more. equalities law.” “We completely refute any allegations of racism.” “While we welcome the recent The ruling could have major implications announcement of a national strategy because 34 councils – including 14 Yvonne MacNamara CEO of the Traveller to tackle Gypsy, Roma and Traveller COVER PHOTO: © DAN HAWORTH-SALTER in London – have taken out similar Movement said that it was “unfortunately inequalities in the UK this report shows injunctions and these are now in doubt. not uncommon” for pubs and shops to the huge amount of work that needs discriminate against Travellers. LGT were represented by Marc Willers to be done, but importantly it also THE TRAVELLERS’ TIMES IS PUBLISHED BY RURAL MEDIA. EDITOR: MIKE DOHERTY |EDITOR AT LARGE: DAMIAN LE BAS |PROJECT MANAGER: Julie Colman |YOUTH PROGRAMME LEADER: Lisa Smith QC and Tessa Buchanan, barristers at “Gypsies, Roma and Irish Travellers provides practical recommendations CONTENT PRODUCER: Charles Newland |THE TRAVELLERS’ TIMES IS THE NATIONAL MAGAZINE FOR GYPSIES, ROMA AND TRAVELLERS, AND PEOPLE AND ORGANISATIONS WHO WORK WITH THEM. WE Garden Court Chambers, and by Chris continue to suffer extreme levels of regarding the actions that need to be ARE GUIDED BY OUR EDITORIAL GROUP AND STRIVE FOR ACCURACY AND FAIRNESS. |CONTACT US AT: THE TRAVELLERS’ TIMES, PACKERS HOUSE, 25 WEST STREET, HEREFORD, HR4 0BX | 01432 344039 | [email protected] | WWW.TRAVELLERSTIMES.ORG.UK Johnson, solicitor at The Community prejudice and discrimination in their taken if these inequalities are to be 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 [email protected]. Law Partnership. everyday lives,” she said. addressed,” said Siobhan Spencer. If you would like more information about IPSO or the Editors’ Code, contact IPSO on 0300 123 2220 or visit www.ipso.co.uk By Mike Doherty/TT News By Mike Doherty/TT News By Mike Doherty/TT News

2 |travellerstimes.org.uk TT ONLINE – YOUR VOICE ON THE INTERNET | 3 THE SUN SHINES DOWN ON LEE NEWS GAP FAIR akefield-based freelance photographer Lee Ward took Whis camera along to Lee Gap Fair in August and took some excel- lent photographs of what looked like a lovely event on a beautiful sunny day. If you know anyone in the photographs – or it’s one of you – please let us and Lee know!

NIA BISTARDE – THE UNFORGOTTEN © ALUNICA LEPADATU

TONY FRANCIS SHEARER CATHOLIC TRAVELLERS IN ST PETER’S CHURCH © SHAUN SOTO NAI BISTARDE PRISONERS PAY – THE TRIBUTE TO UNFORGOTTEN TONY FRANCIS CATHOLIC n the 2nd of August in Parlia- TRAVELLERS ment Square, Westminster, SHEARER ORoma from all around the UK risoners at Ford Prison, West Sussex, CELEBRATE gathered to protest against racial dis- have paid tribute to former inmate crimination, commemorating the victims Pand friend Tony Francis Shearer, ALL PHOTOGRAPHS FEAST OF THE of Romano Samudaripen – the Roma who died on 18th July earlier this year © LEE WARD AT ASSUMPTION Genocide during World War Two. aged 32. LAW PHOTOGRAPHY undreds of Catholic Travellers The London rally was supported by In a moving message that was came together to celebrate a the European GRT society. Leaders published on The Travellers’ Times Hspecial Mass for the Feast of the and activists from Ireland, Sweden, Online, the prisoners said: Assumption at St Peter’s Church in France and Italy flew all the way to the “Tony passed away on the 18th July and Hatfield, Hertfordshire. UK capital for only one day, to stand leaves behind his beautiful daughter, together for Roma rights and to pay The Mass, which took place in August, Dolly Eliza Shearer, his partner Mimi, his tribute to the victims of Holocaust. also celebrated the first anniversary of mother and father, five siblings, seven the Mission of Father Eltin Daly, a Priest On this day Roma, Gypsies and nephews and three nieces. who devoted his life and work to the Travellers stood side by side in London He left prison on the 15th of July 2019; Traveller community. to campaign against prejudices and ready to live a normal life with his discrimination. Talking to the Travellers’ Times, Herts daughter and family. He had changed based Irish Traveller Edward Doherty Julia O’Reilly, Irish Traveller, said that she his ways and was never coming back to said that there was also a regular Mass believed it was really important, right prison, but sadly Tony was taken from us. at St Peter’s Church at 2pm for the now, that Gypsies, Roma and Travellers This is a message to everyone in the Travelling community every Sunday, and act together for their children’s sake. Travelling community: Spend all your that everybody was invited to come. Alongside Gypsies, Roma and precious time with your family and The address of the church is: Travellers, the rally was supported by loved ones, as you never know what St Peters Church, Bishop’s Rise, Hatfield, the Jewish Socialist Group and Stand tomorrow brings.” AL10 9HN. Up To Racism. TT News/Friends By Mike Doherty/TT News By Alunica Lepadatu/TT News Families and Travellers

4 |travellerstimes.org.uk TT ONLINE – YOUR VOICE ON THE INTERNET | 5 PETE’S FOUNDATION “If we can be there and help one family then I’ve done my job and Pete’s Foundation is here to help many more families than that,” GOVERNMENT STRATEGY TO says Josephine Smith, a Romany Gypsy mother of three living in ELIMINATE GYPSY, ROMA AND Gloucestershire. Pete’s Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation that Josephine is TRAVELLER INEQUALITIES? set to launch which is named after her son, Peter, 5, who is autistic. Pete’s Foundation will be there to help Gypsy and Traveller families with autistic children through the often fraught process of getting a diagnosis and NHS and local authority support. Josephine describes how she and her husband became aware that Pete was autistic. “Pete was born five weeks early and the two of us nearly died during his birth and he was left without oxygen for some time,” says Josephine. “When he reached 12 months old, he learnt things like ‘dadda’ and ‘mamma’ and ‘milk’ but then overnight that stopped and he was just pointing at things. Then other things started happening like if he dropped something from his pram like other kids did, Pete wouldn’t bring your attention to it, he would leave it and just stare off into space. Another thing that really alerted me was THE VIEW FROM THE FLOOR OF THE 2018 TRAVELLER MOVEMENT CONFERENCE © MARY HUMPHREY when I put him outside in the garden, the birdsong would send him into meltdown. He would be flapping his hands, slapping his ears, Waiting, waiting waiting… Is the wait finally over? Government announce new spinning around and around in circles, and run the length of the national strategy to eliminate Gypsy, Roma and Traveller inequalities. room and he would do it for hours. People would say ‘it’s a tantrum’, but you knew the babby wasn’t having a tantrum, he was having So much has been written about the inequalities experienced by Gypsy, Roma what we now know was a sensory meltdown.” and Traveller communities. Health inequalities are rife, with Gypsies and Travellers living 10–12 years less than the general population. Both housed Even though Pete was diagnosed with autism privately by a top and nomadic Travellers suffer various forms of discrimination, either via a children’s specialist doctor, Josephine had to fight for two years discriminatory – and probably illegal – planning definition, while those living to get the NHS and the local authority to accept this. “I wasn’t on sites suffer from overcrowding and site neglect. The majority, now forced to being listened to. Traumatic is not the word for it. I can’t put into live in bricks and mortar accommodation, often feel isolated and alone having words what our little family had to go through. It was beyond a been cut off from their families. fight to get even a smidgen of support. Mentally and emotionally I can understand why mothers and fathers break up over it, because Relationships with the police are often strained and characterised by mistrust, there is no support within the UK that is active and quick enough with police policy more inclined towards enforcement rather than community to get in there straight away.” Josephine adds that although many cohesion. And last, but not least, Gypsies, Roma and Travellers are the most families struggle with getting treatment for their autistic children, disadvantaged and poorly served children in the UK education system; they it would be an even bigger fight for Gypsy and Traveller families suffer the highest number of exclusions and have the poorest attainment of all who face extra barriers and often experience racism when trying to ethnic groups. It really is quite dire. access healthcare. To date, there have been a multitude of inquiries, consultations and reviews Another way that Pete’s Foundation aims to help families with autistic into these inequalities, but most have amounted to nothing. So it came as little children is to provide ‘tool kits’. “When we finally came to meet surprise when on June 6th the Government announced a NEW national strategy occupational therapists and language therapists, they gave us a to tackle Gypsy, Roma and Traveller inequalities. This comes off the back of tool kit,” says Josephine, who has now trained as a psychotherapist the eighteen month inquiry by the herself and recently sat her final exams. “They are bags of sensory Women and Equalities committee toys that use smell, sound and feel; things that would help to bring which examined the extent of SO WHAT IS THIS NEW him down and things that would help to calm him,” adds Josephine. the inequalities in each of the NATIONAL STRATEGY? “So what Pete’s Foundation will do is provide little bags like this to communities. Unsurprisingly, the families, and tell them how each sensory toy or product works and select committee found there had We know that the Ministry of Housing, what that can do for the child. We call them divert and distract bags. been a persistent failure by both Communities and Local Government We go in and we lay them out and we sit and go through them with national and local policy-makers (or MHCLG) are leading on this, JOSEPHINE SMITH HOLDS UP the family and show them how they can be used as therapy for the to tackle these inequalities in any and will work across Government A PETE’S FOUNDATION child. And if we would have had somebody that would have come in sustained way, and it called on departments to improve outcomes ‘DIVERT AND DISTRACT’ at a much earlier date for us with Peter and told us about these kinds the Government to put a strategy in key areas, including health, SENSORY TOY BAG. of divert and distract bags it would have made such a difference to in place. education, employment and data © MIKE DOHERTY/TT our lives. So my message to any families out there who have, or monitoring. Data monitoring is We have heard these promises think you may have, an autistic child is that Pete’s Foundation will especially important, as there are before and, more often than not, be here for you.” major gaps for Gypsies, Roma and they don’t amount to a whole lot. Travellers across public institutions. By Mike Doherty By the Traveller Movement

6 |travellerstimes.org.uk TT ONLINE – YOUR VOICE ON THE INTERNET | 7 THE GRAFFITI KIDS: YOUNG TRAVELLERS GET CREATIVE

arlier this year Travellers’ Times worked with some young EGypsies and Travellers who were keen to use some exciting news way to challenge negative perceptions of them and other young people just like them. Over several weeks TT’s Damian le Bas worked with the group to create a fabulous new poem and create some beautiful Graffiti Art, taking inspiration from the Graffiti Art Trail in Birmingham. Filmmakers Dan Haworth-Salter and Charles Newland from Rural Media also made a fabulous short film with the young people featuring both the poem and the graffiti art which will launch in December 2019 and you can watch on You Tube and the TT website. The young people are all looking to gain a Bronze Art award in recognition of all their hard work. TT’s Project Manager Julie Colman said “this was a really ambitious and exciting project and we challenged the participants to work really hard and think about art in ways they hadn’t thought about before but these bright young people rose to that challenge and produced some amazing work.” As well as funding from the National Lottery Community Fund this project also had support from Arts Connect and Rooftop Housing. By Julie Colman/TT

© DAN HAWORTH-SALTER

8 |travellerstimes.org.uk TT ONLINE – YOUR VOICE ON THE INTERNET | 9 FILM

ABOVE: THE WEDDING SCENE FROM GHOST GYPSY © RICHARD JEFFEREY RIGHT: A STILL FROM ROADS FROM THE PAST © BECK WILLIAMS TRAVELLER LGBT PRIDE group of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans Gypsies, Roma and ATravellers made history last Saturday when they took part in the GHOST GYPSY world-famous London Pride Parade for community film about a the first-ever time. young Traveller girl ‘Violet’ searching to find her way Traveller Pride – made up of LGBT A in the world. Written & directed by activists from all over the UK and ALL PHOTOGRAPHS © JOSEPH MITCHELL WWW.JOSEPHMITCHELL.ORG ROADS FROM THE PAST Sharon Muiruri Coyne. Europe – joined the parade and here are questions we at the TT hear so many times, and we are sure you do marched from Oxford Street to Trafalgar A community project supported by the too; writes Damian le Bas, TT Editor at Large. Square flying both the rainbow and the Arts Development Company, Dorset T“It’s so complicated. What are we supposed to call you all? Where do you come GRT flag high. Race Equality Council, Development from? What have you got to do with each other? I’m confused!” Education in Dorset, (DEED) and The parade was cheered on by over Kushti Bok, and Life Changing And we often wished there was something short and sweet that we could show people one and a half million onlookers, LGBT Choices. Filmed by Hands on Media. to point them in the right direction. activists and revellers. Folk Historian: Ray Wills. ‘Roads from the Past’ is a new animation made in response to these questions about Speaking to The Travellers’ Times, All Gypsy and Traveller roles are the history of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller people in Britain, from ancient times up to organiser Tyler said that Traveller Pride played by volunteer Gypsies and the present day. were all really pleased with how Pride in Travellers. Non-Traveller roles were London went. “The fact is, our history is long and complicated. You can’t explain it all in five minutes, played by volunteers from Vita Nova any more than you could explain the history of England, or farming, or music.” The 20 LGBT activists taking part in and The Pilsdon Community. Traveller Pride included Showmen, So the film isn’t a full explanation. It’s just a start and you can watch it on the TT Watch Ghost Gypsy and read about Gypsies, Irish Travellers, New Travellers, website at the making of the film at: Roma and Bargee/Boaters. www.travellerstimes.org.uk/ www.travellerstimes.org.uk/heritage/roads-past-short-history-Britains- By Mike Doherty/TT News features/ghost-gypsy Gypsies-Roma-and-Travellers

10 |travellerstimes.org.uk TT ONLINE – YOUR VOICE ON THE INTERNET | 11 #YTT #YTT#YTT

PARIS SMITH IS TAKING THE BOXING WORLD BY STORM © ASHLEY MARTIN

RILEY EDESON WINS MAGGIE AND JADES ROUNDERS TOURNAMENT FUNDRAISER © LISA SMITH SCHOOLBOY SISTERS HONOUR CHAMPIONSHIPS Eleven-year-old, English Traveller, Riley FRIEND’S Edeson won the title of Champion at the Yorkshire National schoolboy PARIS SMITH MEMORY BY championships this year. Riley has RAISING MONEY trained hard for three years, at Legions MAKES Gym. His interest in boxing stemmed FOR EPILEPSY from hearing stories about his Grandad HISTORY WITH Fred Smith who was a boxer himself. SOCIETY Riley’s takes his inspiration from Tyson A EUROPEAN (Maggie and Jade’s rounders Fury and a member of his own family tournament was a big success.) in York, Henry Wharton, but his real CHAMPIONSHIP hero is Antony Joshua. Riley explained Twin sisters Maggie and Jade Smith (20) that “in the gym it doesn’t matter what from Worcestershire have been running GOLD MEDAL you are, it isn’t about being a Gypsy or a series of fundraising events in loving Traveller, it’s just about Boxing.” memory of their friend Caitlin Sharp PHOTO: RILEY EDESON © VIOLET CANNON WIN who tragically died in July following an Boxer Paris Smith has won a gold epileptic seizure. medal at the schoolgirls European Championships in August. The They raised an impressive £1119.75 LEEDS GATE BOYS 13-year-old, who fights out of Legions UP AND for the Epilepsy Society by carrying Gym in Clifton Moor, made history at out fundraising activities at Worcester COME TO BABY the event by becoming the first fighter COMING BOXER Grimley Raceway, Hereford Autograss BANK’S RESCUE from the city of York to represent Club and a rounders tournament at In August three young boys from Leeds England at a major international BEN SMITH IS their local cricket club where they had heard that an urgent appeal had gone tournament. Her coach Ashley over 400 people attend. out by their local baby bank to say they Martin told YTT: “Paris’ achievements ON TOP FORM Maggie Smith told YTT: “We hope had run out of essential items to support in boxing are nothing short of Congratulations to 12-year-old Ben Catlin would be happy with what we parents in need. After hearing the news phenomenal. When she walked into Smith, who fights out of Burton Park have achieved. All the amazing people the boys decided that instead of going the gym just over 2 years ago, it was amateur boxing club in Kettering. The that took part in our fundraisers are ahead with an activity they had planned clear that she possessed something upcoming boxer fought in the East contributing to make sure vital research as part of their weekly boys’ group they PHOTO (LEFT TO RIGHT: MAVERICK, BILLY, JERRY AND LEEDS special. She’s turned heads from day Midlands schoolboy championships can happen to improve the lives of would to apply to Leeds GATE seedcorn GATE YOUTH WORKER KATHLEEN ANNE) © LEEDSGATE one, and winning the National, then this year. The dedicated boxer trains many adults and children up and down grant, a small pot of money where European Championship is a massive six days a week and has high hopes the country. We want to make sure community members can apply for up to testament to her commitment to the for the future. He takes his inspiration they needed. The boys then went out others have a better understanding £100 to do something that has a benefit sport. We’re really looking forward from Canelo Álvarez, a Mexican boxer shopping for items. Leeds Baby Bank on what to do when someone has a to their wider community. The boys were to what the future may hold for Paris. who is a three-weight world champion. took to Facebook to show their gratitude seizure so that the victims of this tragic successful in putting their case forward. She’s got the potential to go all the Speaking to YTT Ben said, “I like his for the support shown by the boys, neurological disorder have a better Before spending the money the boys, way in this sport, and as long as she technique and counter punches.” chance at survival after a seizure and Maverick, Billy and Jerry, along with “A really big thank you to these young continues to believe in her ability, and © LISA SMITH the heartbreak some of my family Leeds GATE youth worker Kathleen men and Kathleen from Leeds Gypsy focuses on her training, nothing can members have felt can be avoided!” Anne visited the baby bank to ask what and Traveller Exchange.” stop her!

12 |travellerstimes.org.uk TT ONLINE – YOUR VOICE ON THE INTERNET | 13 IT’S KUSHTI TO ROKKER

IT’S KUSHTI TO ROKKER IS BRITISH ROMANI ABOVE: RICHARD BENNETT WITH ONE OF THE MANY BANKS OF RECYCLED SOLAR PANELS © MIKE DOHERTY/TT FOR IT’S LEFT: COMMUNITY, RICHARD BENNETT AND THE SITE’S GOOD TO 16-SEAT CINEMA © MIKE DOHERTY/TT TALK LIVING A PEACEFUL AND “And we have built it up using second-hand and sometimes free materials and equipment. But that’s the Traveller way of HAPPY LIFE DOES NOT life and has been for centuries,” adds Richard. n November 1st 2019 ‘Its Kushti to Rokker’, an education and community film making COST THE EARTH “We are the ultimate Wombles,” laughs Nathalie. project, launched a series of short films to O omewhere in the north of England on a three-and-a-half The site now has its own bore-hole used to pump fresh water raise awareness about mental health and well-being acre private Traveller site, a Romany Gypsy family and from deep underground, compost loos, solar panels for electric, amongst young Travellers. Sfriends are doing their bit to combat climate change by mobile wifi, a sixteen-seat cinema with a recycled screen and “We need to do all we can to support our future going completely off-grid – they are connected to no utilities a bar with a pool table for family and friends to come together generations to speak out,” said IKTR Project Manager like gas, water or the national electricity grid – and yet their and relax in, a classroom where skills are shared and learnt, a and YTT Youth Editor Lisa Smith. The aim of the project unique move towards complete self-sufficiency started out as laundry, and even a sunbed suite – powered by the sun itself! is to encourage us all to be more open about our mental necessity. Richard will soon be making his own bio-diesel, using a state health, and to start conversations with those who might of the art filter system that recycles cooking oil given away free Richard and Nathalie Bennett’s site is off a country lane a need our support.” by cafés, chip shops and restaurants. “They can’t get rid of it few miles from a market town, is surrounded by mature leafy without paying for it to be dumped,” says Richard. “These solar A group of young Travellers have been working with trees and English native hedging, borders on one side on a panels would have become landfill. Instead they are providing writers and filmmakers to create five short films based gushing stream and looks beautiful and verdant on a summer electricity for our site for free. And we brought them second on their real-life experiences to support other young afternoon. There are caravans and chalets dotted round and hand for a song. The cinema screen is an old wipe board taken people to seek help. big banks of solar panels angled towards the rising sun, some from a school skip for free with permission, and the social club of them higher than a transit van and three times as long. You can watch all the films here: www.travellerstimes. structure was built with fencing panel seconds given to us by a org.uk/its-kushti-rokker and while you are there take a Richard Bennett, “A proud Romany Gypsy man” explains: “It friend in the fencing trade.” look at our info pack for young people with lots of handy started off as a necessity. We are miles from any sewers and During that five year journey of discovery and necessity, Richard, information about support that’s out there for you. water utilities. We had a quote for ¾ of a million pounds to get who has “qualifications coming out of his ears and tons of connected to the mains electricity. The electric company said You’ll also see a 10-minute documentary presented by experience in electrical engineering, plumbing, gas fitting and they would have to build a new substation just to connect us Romani activist Betsy Mobey aimed at education and connections within the trades,” got bitten by the eco-bug. to the national grid. We are now completely self-sufficient and healthcare professionals to improve knowledge of off-grid. “We were born and thrived 99% of our time without electricity, Gypsy and Traveller health outcomes and the barriers gas and other utilities, what’s the difference now?” Richard young people can encounter to fulfilling their potential “It started off as a temporary thing until we managed to get says. “What do we want to do? Burn the planet’s resources and getting the right support. connected with electricity,” says Richard’s wife Nathalie Bennett. out? Living a peaceful and happy life does not cost the earth.” “But then we stuck with it. We haven’t had a utility bill, water, Follow us on Instagram @its_kushti_to_rokker gas or electric, for five years.” By Mike Doherty/TT for the latest news and updates!

TT ONLINE – YOUR VOICE ON THE INTERNET | 15 BROADWAY KITCHENS

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