Come to Travellers Solidarity Network - Leighton Buzzard

From the Leighton Buzzard Observer

CONTROVERSIAL Christchurch Bushmead vicar Martin Burrell, 61, is hosting a talk by the Travellers Solidarity Network, (TSN) a group formed in the aftermath of the Dale Farm evictions.

It will be held at Beech Hill Methodist Church, Dunstable Road, Luton at 6.30pm on Tuesday (March 27).

TSN describe themselves as a direct action network dedicated to fighting ethnicity, persecution and class-based discrimination against \Travellers, Roma and Gypsies.

They are taking the TSN roadshow round the country to raise awareness of their plight, particularly with regard to the provision of sites.

Rev Burrell, who has written a book entitled The Pure in Heart - An Epistle for the Romanies, is in a unique position to help. He is the St Alban’s diocesan chaplain to GYpsies, Travellers and Roma and started a Romani church at Bushmead last May.

“We have had funding from the Allder Trust and the Bedfordshire and Luton Community Foundation,” he said.

“We meet every Wednesday and it’s going really well.”

The church website describes the group as “just a mustard seed right now” but Rev Burrell – a former professional clarinettist - added: “God is kindling a living faith in some Romanian Roma here in Luton.”

He is encouraging his congregation to join a befriending scheme with suggestions of how they can help the travelling community.

These include reading and explaining official letters, registering families with GPs and contacting various agencies regarding schooling, health, accommodation, employment and benefit matters.

For more information email martin@christchurch-bushmead.org.uk