Travellers in Prison News Issue 16 September 2015

Newsletter of the Traveller Equality Project

Travellers in prison news Issue 16 September 2015

We hope you enjoy this newsletter and please let us know what’s happening in your prison. We are especially keen to hear of any education events or initiatives for Travellers. TIPN is your newsletter so, please send us your poems, letters, stories and pictures for the next issue. Prison and Probation staff can download resources from our website here:

A Busy Few Months bit.ly/XCUhAc Welcome to the 16th edition of the Travellers in Prison News. It has been a busy few months for the project visiting many prisons around the country to celebrate Traveller History Or email us: Month. It has been a great success across the country giving many Travellers and Gypsies an opportunity to celebrate their culture, as well as others from outside the community the [email protected] chance to learn more about the unique Traveller culture. We have been as far as HMP Onley, HMP Liverpool and HMP Wayland and more locally to London, in HMP Brixton, HMP Wormwood Scrubs, HMP ISIS, HMP Holloway to name a few.

We would like to hear about any events and experiences that took place in those prisons we TRAVELLERS were unable to attend. In this edition we hear from both prisoners and prison staff about Become a learner or a mentor Traveller History Month. today! If someone you know would like to The work of the Irish Chaplaincy in Britain is funded in part by grants from be able to read OR you would like the Government of Ireland, the Irish Catholic Bishops' Conference, and the to help others read ask staff for the details of the Shannon support of many generous friends. Trust Reading Plan. TRAVELLERS IN PRISON NEWS

There are many, many SURVIVING AS A TRAVELLER Travellers who live in houses I’m third eldest of 7 siblings, 3 boys and 4 but always have a caravan for girls and we were all the first to be born in those moments when you England, to a long line of Irish Travellers. We lived on a disused council yard but we need to get away from the left then when I was 7 for reasons unknown to me. We moved to a new temporary site, mundane life of living in a BEING A TRAVELLER which my grandfather fought hard to make house. Today I find more and it a permanent site and eventually my Brought up by Gypsy folk is to more Gypsy men and women grandfather lived out his final years there. me one of the best parts of my adhering to the gorja life. He fought to get a lot of other sites opened life, being in the Travelling too and many of these are still in existence Why? Because the powers today. community is something else. It that be say it’s better for us. My grandfather made wagons or barrel tops makes you feel free and alive. and he raised his family of 12 in wagons and I learnt to read and write Moving from town to town, city collected and sold scrap iron all his life. properly at the age of 27 and I When he finished work, he would often go to city, field to field. It is the learnt in prison. I want better to the local pubs where he would tell stories most simplest of lives, but it can and have sing songs, which were admired for myself and at 45 I’m still be awkward and hard. It makes and liked by Travellers, Gypsies and learning. I want better for me countrymen alike. He made my childhood a you find who you really are. wonderful time for me, always telling me and mine. For all in prison, stories and rhymes and riddles that he had A bottle of gas, a drum of water don’t feel you are missing out, made up. and a few quid for food. A van push for a better you, and Although there are still many Travellers and and trailer are the most push for a better ‘us’. Don’t Gypsies around, and in my opinion there always will be (it’s in our blood), I think a important, without them you be afraid to ask, because you new era has taken off. For me, lots of cannot travel. A cozy spot out of will not be around those who traditions have died, and lots of younger the way, a little fire going and a say ‘no’ forever. Take the first Travellers, including myself do not know few friendly faces for a chat and being a tinker (pot and pan mender) for step, because I know when I example. We have different ways of being a you could be anywhere. You are did, I enjoyed it. To all Traveller now and different ways of putting as free as an eagle or a lion in Travellers and Gypsies out food on the table or surviving. But despite many of us living in settled homes, we will Africa. there “inside”, go forwards still always try and teach our kids about But no matter where we stopped not backwards and try to being on the road. This can be difficult with new laws that prevent us from doing scrap, make the best of a bad there was always someone to and licenses to collect rubbish. Many move us on. We moaned and situation. Travellers are studying and finding other ways to get work. But we will always find a moved, because what other (Kenny – HMP Hull) way to manage and adapt to modern choice did we have? Today we society, we always did and we are experts have choice. thanks to our elders.

(Martin– HMP Belmarsh)

GRT History Month at HMP Wayland Six months ago we had 12 offenders registered as W3 – now we have 40! I admit, it hasn’t been easy reaching out and being accepted into such a close knit community. But Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month was a great kick start to get to know our offenders from Travelling backgrounds and provided an opportunity to learn about their culture. It also allowed us to explain that we are not their enemy, but only wish to learn more about them in order to support them whilst at Wayland. With the help from our Offender Representatives (and a special thanks goes to my Traveller Rep Patrick) we displayed information about the different Travelling communities on all wing notice boards/in the library for offenders and in the main gate for staff and visitors to see. Appleby Fair was aired on our in-house TV channel, a Thomas McCarthy CD played for all to enjoy and the kitchens cooked traditional meals on Thursdays throughout June. We were visited by the Traveller Equality Project who kindly brought in Irish treats for the group to enjoy and later in the month were joined by the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller Service for Norfolk and Suffolk – they offer support to offenders and their families. Following on from June, our meetings continue and our W3 numbers continue to grow… I know nothing happens quickly in prison, but I feel we at Wayland are moving in the right direction… Forward. Ken – HMP Pentonville Thanks Ms Niroomand for reading!-Rad, Equalities. HMP Wayland

TRAVELLERS IN PRISON NEWS

Government changes to Planning Policy for Traveller sites Over the August bank holiday, the government approved changes to the planning policy for Traveller sites in the UK. The planning policy is used by local authorities when determining new applications for Traveller sites. The new policy redefines who Gypsies and Travellers are for the planning purposes. For example, if a Gypsy or Traveller stops travelling permanently, they will no longer be Remember to register classed as a Gypsy or Traveller and Gypsies and Travellers across today in your prison as: therefore will not be able to apply for Britain will be driven off sites planning permission for a Traveller meaning there could be a large ‘W3 – Gypsy / Irish site. Even if the reasons for ceasing increase in the number of Traveller’ travelling are for education purposes unauthorised roadside camps. If you are not counted, or health issues, for example. The Equalities and Human Rights You won’t count! Both permanent and temporary Commission made submissions to the Government saying that the Traveller sites in green belt areas are We have been working with going to be considered inappropriate new law did not adequately consider the rights of Gypsies and prisons across the country to developments. improve access to resources for Travellers. Travellers so we were delighted Local Planning Authorities will now when our friends at the Travellers’ not be required to meet Traveller site Times told us that they would needs where there have been large provide free copies to prisoners/prison staff. scale unauthorized sites. The government states an intention to Contact them at: [email protected] or change the Housing Act 2004 Travellers' Times, Packers definition of Gypsies and Travellers, House, 22-24 West St, Hereford, to the same as the new definition of HR4 0BX Gypsies and Travellers in the Planning Remember to cheer on Ireland in Policy for Traveller sites. This means, the Rugby World Cup which is currently Gypsies and Travellers are being held at various stadiums recognized as having a cultural around England and Wales. tradition to travel in the 2004 Housing Act, but soon this recognition may be stripped.

‘I am a Traveller in Prison’

The Traveller Prison Links Programme was carried out in Wheatfield Prison, Dublin by St. Stephens’ Green Trust. Meath Travellers Workshops met with Traveller inmates every week and there was a common view that their voices ‘were not heard’. They have therefore created a book of short stories where their voices can be heard. The book is great for any Travellers who are entering prison, maybe for the first time, as it gives open, honest accounts of prison life. It will also be insightful to non- Travellers who will be able to learn about Travelling culture. Here are some fantastic snippets from the book. ‘The first time my mother came in she said when you get out you’ve Chat from the group… got to stop messing. My older brothers have been in prison so I

What makes you proud to be a knew what it was like. I thought it would have been worse, after

Traveller? a month or two you get used to it. When I get out I want to find Tinsmith tradition handed down from grandfather a lovely wife and settle down. After a month or so you get to know to father the country fellas and you can chat to them.’ Family loyalty Proud of family ‘For some people, sometimes jail is a safe place to be. It Good looking, loyal and respectful women will either make you or break you. Jail is a lonely place to Self-reliant be, even though you have loads of people around you.’ Very welcoming to country people, quicker than ‘Take whatever you are offered by the officers. Make sure you go the other way round to the school and do every bit of training you can get because it Belonging to a group will make your time go faster. I hope that I will never come back Good dinners into prison. You think nothing of your freedom until it is taken Strong mothers from you. ‘ Tradition of song music and story telling

‘I remember I got hardly any sleep. The thought of Prison was scary because I didn’t know what to expect. The next ‘Travellers are not broken Country people.’ day I arrived at the prison. I can’t remember what time, ‘Travellers have their own history’ all I remember is going through big tall gates and them

gates closing behind me.’ TRAVELLERS IN PRISON NEWS

come to Britain as a teenager with his that prejudice against the Gypsy, roma, Traveller family as refugees from the Czech Republic community was ‘the last Police association at a time, in 1999, when Roma there were acceptable form of racism’ and, being attacked by far-right groups. sadly, that’s probably still the This month sees the first anniversary of case – so I don’t blame people the formation of the Gypsy Roma Torak, who had always wanted to be a for being reluctant to identify Traveller Police Association (GRTPA). police officer, spoke little English when he themselves,” Watson says. “We Formed by a handful of officers, it now has arrived but was encouraged by his father to want to try and change that.” a membership of 105 police staff across 23 seek a job in the police. He joined in 2006. of the 43 forces in England and Wales, and “My life mission is promoting the police as For Davies, Torak and the Scotland. a career [to the GRT community],” says growing number of colleagues, Torak, who has just been awarded an MBE like dog-handler Kate West in Jim Davies, who joined the police in for his work with the GRT community in Kent and police sergeant Tracey 1994, grew up on a caravan site near Peterborough. “We have to deal with a Chaney in Humberside, the time Banbury in Oxfordshire where his father very negative media which suggests that all when they felt they had to “move had a successful tarmac business. “You Roma are beggars and thieves.” on and say nothing” has clearly grow up knowing that people will regard passed. you differently, particularly if you live on Even today, many in the community are a site. Growing up, I knew that there was reluctant to identify themselves as such. In “In 26 years in the police I never an issue between the Gypsy and Traveller the 2011 census, 58,000 people identified thought I would see the day community and the police without really themselves as Gypsy or Irish Traveller, when there was an organisation understanding why,” he says. although the true figure is thought to be like this, so I’m very proud to be many times that number. a member,” says Chaney, who is Nevertheless, he joined Thames Valley a director of the association. “I police. At first he was conscious of the The police service in general and Thames didn’t feel able to tell colleagues casual attitudes towards Gypsies and Valley in particular have been very about my background until Travellers among some officers, whether supportive of the association, says Davies. about two or three years ago. in the use of derogatory terms like “pikey” The Police Federation is helping to I’m visible, but I know there are or “gyppo” or the general perception of organise the GRTPA’s first national others in the organisation and in them as criminals. Davies decided to seek conference in November. Mark Watson, a the police who don’t feel able to out other serving officers from his former police inspector who liaises be yet.” community in the police force. “You can between the NPCC and GRTPA, says that think you’re the only Gypsy Traveller the police nationally were very police officer,” he says. appreciative of the new association. “Trevor Phillips, when he was the chair of Davies then met Petr Torak, an officer the Commission for Racial Equality, said with Cambridgeshire police, who had

Gypsy Fighters of Michael was born in the backseat of a car Like most Travelling lads, he Modern Times in Longford, Ireland but raised in a laced the gloves early, passing Catholic children's home in Manchester. through the heralded Repton FIGHTING, is an integral part of culture He left school at 13 and was a pro fighter ABC nursery as a child and within Britain and Ireland's Travelling at 17. No surprise then when he became winning several national junior community - reference Tyson Fury, Andy the youngest ever British Super-Feather titles. Lee and Billy Joe Saunders of the present champion, aged 22, with a September era. Below are some of the most 1999 two round annihilation of Tyson Fury recgonised boxers who have achieved the Liverpool's Gary Thornhill. most inside the ring. The reigning British, Billy Joe Saunders Commonwealth and European Gary Buckland Heavyweight king claims he Presently British, Commonwealth and fights as much to uphold the Buckland is from a Romany background European middleweight champion, plus family's fighting name as he does and lives on a caravan site on Rover mandatory champion to the WBO crown, for titles and money. Way, Cardiff. Billy Joe has never lost track of his Romany roots. He proved to be a natural A former national junior champion, he fighting man, bagging World turned pro at 17 and first caught the eye Joe still lives on a site in Hatfield, Herts. Junior bronze, European Junior in a gallant May 2010 British and He speaks some Romany and abides by silver and a senior ABA title European Lightweight challenge to John many of the traditions of his heritage; while still a teenager. Murray. hunting, attending horse fayres, racing horse and carts! Unbeaten in 23 with 17 He has held a Prizefighter trophy (2010) stoppages, he will challenge for and the British Super-Feather title A slick and speedy southpaw who is now a version of the world title this (2011). Still only 28, he remains active undefeated in 21 and has vanquished four year and, if he wins, he has the today. successive unbeaten opponents - most charisma to evolve into a huge 'Gypsy Johnny' Frankham notably Chris Eubank Jr. crossover star.

'Gypsy Johnny' captured the ABA Light- Henry Wharton Tony Sibson Heavyweight title in 1969, then the The Leeds born, York based Wharton had Tony was raised in Leicester. British title at the same weight six years the misfortune to operate in a Golden Era Just 5ft 8in tall, his formidable later, with a controversial 15 round points of British Super-Middleweight talent. His strength was honed carrying the win over ex-Olympic champion Chris home run slugging brought 20 quick wins hod at 14 and later working in an Finnegan. in 31 pro gigs and made him hugely abattoir, long before he turned Willie Casey popular with Travellers from all over pro on his 18th birthday. Britain. One of 21 children born to a Travelling As quick as he was powerful, family from Limerick, 'Big Bang's' chaotic Now 47, he has just penned his stocky 'Sibbo' won British, southpaw style took him to a Prizefighter autobiography; Henry's Dream. Commonwealth and European trophy and the vacant European title in titles (twice each) and had three Andy Lee 2010. world title cracks - at Marvin Hagler, Dennis Andries and The London born, Limerick raised His many victories earned him the 2011 Frank Tate. Alas, he was middleweight is a relative of Tyson Fury; Irish Boxer of the Year Award. stopped on each occasion. their grandmas were sisters. Michael Gomez TRAVELLERS IN PRISON NEWS

Fight set for October 24th

Tyson Fury's world heavyweight title STAY IN challenge to Wladimir Klitschko will be TOUCH! broadcast live on Sky Sports Box Office. We hope you enjoyed Klitschko vs Fury will be the highlight of a this newsletter and will broadcast on October 24 which will sign up for future include Kell Brook's Sheffield defence of editions. FIGHT POSTPONED his world welterweight title against Diego Chaves. Do you have a Andy Lee’s defence of his WBO world question about middleweight title against Billy Joe The fight for all Klitschko's heavyweight Travellers in prison? Saunders has been postponed from its alpha belts will be immediately preceded October 10th due to Saunders sustaining a by a live performance by rock legend Rod Are you thinking of cut over his eye while sparring. Stewart in the 55,000 capacity Esprit starting a Travellers The promoter Frank Warren hopes to football arena. Group and would like reschedule the contest for late November advice? or early December, but is awaiting an Klitschko said: ‘I promise an exciting assessment from a doctor before a evening and I hope that Tyson is ready to Are you looking for decision can be made. walk the walk after all his big talk.' resources for Traveller prisoners? It is still unclear whether Andy Lee will Fury responded: 'I vow to the British public still defend his title at the Manchester I will end the Klitschko era. All of Europe Then please get in Arena on October 10th, a bill which is still wants to see me beat him. For too long touch! going ahead and features Terry Flanagan’s Wladimir and his brother Vitali have lightweight world title defence against spoiled boxing with their boring jab and Traveller Equality Diego Magdaleno and Liam Smith v John grab style.’ Project, Thompson for the vacant WBO world 'I'm the new blood in the heavyweight 50 Camden Square, light-middleweight title. division and I will send him packing and London, NW1 9XB become the new world champion.'

Promoter Frank Warren also said that another world title fight would replace travellers@irishchaplai Lee-Saunders in Manchester. ncy .org.uk The fight was originally set for September 19th, but had to be pushed to October 10th Tel: 020 7482 5528 after Lee picked up a virus. Our Staff: Frank Warren also so confirmed the Lee Conn MacGabhann and Saunders fight will not take place at (Manager) Thomond Park stadium in Limerick, where it was originally scheduled for, due Ellena Costello (Policy to weather restrictions at that time of Officer) year.

We have not heard the last of this.