Young artists depict travelling communities - Wokingham

Stories, poems and paintings created by youngsters in Wokingham’s Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities were honoured in a national competition.

One pupil from The Coombes CE Primary School in Arbofield and two from All Saints CE Primary School in Wokingham were presented with awards following the competition run by The National Association for Teachers of Travellers and Other Professionals (NATT+).

The NATT+ organised the competition during Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month and challenged children to create a piece of work under the theme of A Moment in Time. The Wokingham youngsters joined 38 other winners from around the country for an awards ceremony at The Oakwood Centre in Headley
Road, Woodley on Friday, December 9.

Councillor Keith Baker, Wokingham Borough Council’s executive member with responsibility for Gypsy, Roma and Traveller liaison, said: “I am really pleased to see young people from our Traveller community making their mark in a national competition.

“Wokingham borough is proud to host this award ceremony and to recognise artistic talent from an often misunderstood community. The ceremony will be a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our young people’s success.”

The winners each created a story, poem, painting, photograph or song to capture a moment in Gypsy, Roma and Traveller culture or history.

More than 1,000 entries were submitted and the winning pieces will be publish in a book.

Award-winners were also invited to a celebratory lunch where certificates were presented by one of the judges, Richard O’Neill, a popular story-teller from the traveller community.