Monday 10 June 2013

Gypsy celebration to challenge stereotypes - Berkshire

From Get Wokingham

Breaking down barriers between Travellers and non-Travellers is the aim of a free family fun day celebrating Gypsy history.


A group which has taken on the challenge to highlight the positive side of Gypsy life and reject stereotypes is putting on a day open to all at the Pinewood Centre on Saturday, June 15.

Rose Green, community development worker at Wokingham Borough Council and chair of the Gypsy Roma Traveller multi-agency group, said: “This is our first attempt at taking something into the community in Gypsy Roma History month.”

In 2008 the Government designated June as Gypsy Roma Traveller History Month in a bid to make young people aware of the rich culture and heritage of Gypsies and Travellers.

Ms Green said: “The Government put out the challenge to local authorities to highlight the positive side of being Gypsies and Travellers and to get away from stereotypical and negative views. This community is discriminated against and people do look down at them.”

The multi-agency group is made up of professionals including a community police officer, health workers and the council, who work together to support Gypsies and Travellers.

Ms Green added: “There are health inequalities so we look at what we can do and we can make a bit of a difference.”

The group is also working with national charity Friends, Families and Travellers and Gypsy journalist Jake Bowers and the day will celebrate famous Gypsies such as Elvis Presley.

Ms Green said: “There are several Traveller sites in Nine Mile Ride so Pinewood was an ideal location.

“We also have the support of Wokingham Without Parish Council and Pinewood Bar and Cafe.

“We are trying to show Gypsy and Traveller contribution to society is not negative and there is a positive side.”

The Gypsy Roma Traveller family fun day will take place at the Pinewood Centre, Old Wokingham Road, Crowthorne, from 12.30pm to 4.30pm on Saturday, June 15.

Activities will include crafts, competitions, as well as free ice cream.

There will also be exhibitions and displays, traditional cooking, health checks, a play bus and an information bus.

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