Romany Roots: Have your say

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Rob, Kent
Gary I think in many ways you're right, but unfortunately the government I guess are just recognising the travellers were left with little choice but to plot illegally, due to the criminal failure to provide equally for them since 1994. Travellers on illegal sites I expect would gladly move to legal ones that are clean and of same standard, as they are doing in places like Liverpool. I think though the government can be accused of thinking it's cheaper and less hassle just to approve the pre existing sites that are illegal than build fresh ones. That's government cost cutting again and obviously will cause resentment against travellers, as it's seen as unfair. However bare in mind most traveller sites are on land that would be approved for anyone else, so it's perhaps right that these are being given permission and wrong it was ever refused in first places. In places like Smithy Fenn where travellers bought a prexisting illegal site and expanded it onto greenland and private land, you will find the government ARE moving them. Traveller's don't want special treatment they want fair treatment and under a system where there was a 20% refusal rate for non travellers, and a 93% rate for travellers that just wasn't the case. The goverment were right to intervene.
Wed Apr 13 11:28:36 2005

Jane,leeds
Does anyone know the Lambert family(chair cainers) based eventually housed around Croydon and possibly connected with the name Turner?
Tue Apr 12 18:36:32 2005

Jason New Forest
For many years the the council's obligation to provide adequate Gypsy sites has been neglected and ignored which has resulted in the present situation of Travellers/Gypsies buying there own plots of land. The Law is MAD! At the moment The New Forest district council is trying to evict me, my partner and three children, my son has cerebral palsy and benefits from the interaction with the animals we keep and of the space outdoors we have here. My partner owns the field and has lived on it for 11 years. She is a local and I'm a poshrat who has lived in 27 different places, we live in two mobile homes. The law states we are being detrimental to the enviroment by eating and sleeping here, BUT, half a mile up the road is a holiday centre which attracts over 200,000 tourists a year. All wanting to eat and sleep in the mobile homes being provided. If you haven't got a money the country doesn't need you. Romanies, Gypsies and Travellers stand UP for your human rights as an ethnic minority before your wagons just end up as an attraction for a theme park.
Tue Apr 12 18:11:04 2005

Maria Hearne
To Peissy Smith It was nice to hear from you, and tell me that you might know of Jo.I think I may know you, are you the Prissy Smith who's nan was Becky and Eligh Smith. they also lived in Swanly Kent for many years. If you are I would love to hear from you, and perhaps talk over old time. As I am sure that if you are the Prissy I know of, we use to play together when my parents came down to see my aunt Becky and Uncle eligh. My Email email address is. lizeyhearne@btinternet.com, I would love to hear from you. God Bless Maria Hearne.
Tue Apr 12 17:31:51 2005

Gary, Welling
I don’t think that travellers should be able to buy plots of land and be able to apply for planning permission on them just like that. A settled person isn’t allowed to just buy an acre plot of land and built a house on it so why a travelling person should be allowed to do the same? As a builder there are many rules and regulations which must be considered when I buy a property and wish to extend it. The property and any further building work must be in keeping with the characteristics of the local area. How exactly a gypsy camp situated on green belt land next to a village is in keeping with the area is beyond me. There are many settled people across Britain who would like to see sites allocated for gypsies and travellers and have genuine sympathy for their plight but giving gypsies greater rights than settled folk when it comes to planning applications isn’t the answer to this problem and in the long term will lead to much resentment.
Tue Apr 12 14:48:43 2005

Rob, Kent
http://www.herts.ac.uk/UHPress/holocaust.html The University of Hertfordshire prints books on Romanies. There's a few there but Walter Winters account is probably the best. There is a book called A Gypsy In Auschwitz which is fairly easily available too. all best. Rob
Tue Apr 12 12:50:16 2005

Dom,norwich
does anyone know some possitive words in Romany 'cos i got 5 words for look out policeman! but cant tell my girlfriend i love here which is far more important considering im law abiding! Also has anyone else got a grandad that got sent to the glasshouse during the war for refusing to fight?or like his brother did go and spent the war as a pow in burma? i just curious cos it really hard to find anything in the history books about romanys during the war (Primo Levi has written a little bit)and i thought its about time WE started to write our history down cos nobody else is doin it for us. on that subject any recomendations about books/music painters artists anything positive that romanys have done would be really great. i can recomend a band called Gogol bordello who are excellent if you like a blend of traditional and punk! cheers!
Tue Apr 12 02:01:27 2005

Rob, Kent
John, Cambs, Where did I say I didn't have sympathy for the residents of Smithy Fenn? That's an assumption you've made, a very incorrect one I might add. I have enormous sympathy for them. I was just pointing out Cliff Codona and his site is nothing to do with that whatsoever. Cliff bought and paid for land legally. Yes they denied him planning permission. Just like nearly every traveller is. That is the crux of the problem, and the reason for so many illegal sites. The travellers are just as much victims as the non travellers, neither want illegal camps, and both suffer greatly because of them.
Tue Apr 12 00:41:23 2005

Vicki, Shropshire
Hi to Johhny in Wales and Kelly in kent, Thanks very much for replying to my message about traditional romany names for my baby. I have since found out that my husbands grandfather was called chasey and i'm really liking this for a boy, his mother was called molita and she passed away (god bless her soul) 10 years ago so i was thinking if its a girl i may call her after her late grandmother, also think johhnys sugestion of romilly and kellys of lias are high on my list. Thanks again. Any more suggestions welcome from anyone! Kushti Bok in life to you all (and i will deffo let u know what i finally choose!)
Sun Apr 10 13:10:26 2005

cole, basingstoke hampshire
does anyone remember the cole clan from hampshire a romany gypsy family who travelled hampshire back in 1891 through some names include goliath cole kezia cole albert cole tommy cole jane cole ect
Sat Apr 9 21:11:05 2005

kelly herne bay kent
i watched the kilroys week with the gypsys and was very proud of mr cadona for trying to show the world what it means to be romany but also from my point if view it wasnt told that its not just a way of life its about our spirit our souls and how it affects us when we live in houses i moved out of my caravan and have suffered depression ever since people sit there and moan about mess but its everywhere on council run estates have all sorts of litter every where just because there to lazy to take it to the dump but living the way we do we dont have a garage or storage to put things in if you think about it many people store car batteries engines every day stuff in a garage we dont have that also i would like to point out that we have always been discriminated against even if there was more encampments that were legal the rom were not even aloud to step foot in a public house years ago because people were so racists against us we live in the out doors close to nature because we are very spiritual peolpe and are very affected by the energy of the citys and towns and houses we become very negative because we are not part of the energy that the outside gives us. i hope that we can all accept eachothers ways of lives eventually and live in peace and harmony miduvel del kushto to all the rom tankyou to bbc kent for allowing us this oppertunity to speak our concerns god bless xxxxxx kel
Sat Apr 9 12:57:16 2005

Jason New Forest
People have always been suspicious of difference or change. What true Romany's were able to do was Be self sufficient. They were not scared of change and could sus out new people on there travels with ease. In this day and age, just like religion in the past, people feel safe in a group or familiar town with street lighting. A Romany is FREE and will always be FREE! They are united only with there own people but when they travel, they are on their own. That is BRAVE! Is the city dweller scared of the dark when walking a lane with no street lighting? To a Romany the rustle in the hedge is a fox or a pheasant but to a townie it's the antichrist, the bloke on crime watch, THEIR! fears. So many people nowadays get stuck in a village or job. For the Romany, life was always about the journey being on the move, a need to survive. Life has been tough for Romany blood, but when you live a true life then the world will be true to you. When a Romany settles down in your village feel proud that the travelling man has decided to stay. Don't ridicule but ask them "what do you need to make your stay comfortable". Only then can you bridge a gap, but a gap with whom? Are we not ALL alive at the same time? We are all related at the end of the day, but when it comes to sitting round a camp fire, who has got the most interesting stories to tell? The traveller, the Romany. God bless you all and my dad.
Sat Apr 9 00:49:05 2005

Heather, Glasgow
Hey, my great-gran was Elizabeth Winter, her father was George Winter,mother Janet Watson, they were Horse Traders. Long shot asking, but does anyone recognise the names. please
Fri Apr 8 19:09:32 2005

leah smith
all the travllers thats real travllers in sted of righting a lod of rubish why dont u right about how we live and the news papers and news is swering your lives away and the fools on the talle triying to be travllers have made a show of us
Fri Apr 8 16:48:23 2005

SAM
where is larkhall site please?
Fri Apr 8 15:17:03 2005

John, Cambs
Rob, Kent: I'm just saying that in the grand scale of things how can you feel sorry for Codona when he broke the law by building illegally but not for people who's live's have been ruined in Smithy Fenn and Wickford.
Fri Apr 8 14:12:56 2005

selina bournemouth
jason new forest. Acora the fortune teller is working in exeter telling fortunes.i know this through researching my family tree. selina.
Fri Apr 8 12:04:57 2005

Jason New Forest
My name is Jason, I'm a poshrat and proud I have Romany blood. My dad is ACORA the fortune teller in Plymouth. I was brought up by my mum. I have tried to create contact with my dad, but he doesn't want to know. Is this because I'm a poshrat/half blood. I know I have a big family out there. Acora's real name is David Broadway, can anyone tell me about my romany blood line? Broadway? I have Romany traits, I can do the work of 3 men, I'm creative and I have visions which come true, I can also heal animals and people and I have a strong contact with a higher power. Is this the big secret are my decendants from Egypt? My grandmother was called 'Queenie', what does that mean? If anyone sees Acora tell him Jason his son thinks about him everyday. All the best out there.
Thu Apr 7 22:58:29 2005

Heather, Glasgow
Hi, hunting down family roots. Great-gran was a Winter, Kippe?(not sure spelt right), anyone know anything? Travelled round scotland, stayed in Goven a lot.
Thu Apr 7 22:29:49 2005

Aimie, Ely
Well said, Rob. The only reason they've "had their lives ruined" is because they claim there is an antisocial section of the group of travellers living there. Cliff Cadona is not part of this antisocial element, and to tar him with the same brush as bad ones in Cottenham would be as ridiculous as me telling you (John) that you're a nuisance because you belong to the same race as the yobos at the bottom of my street who are also antisocial. Cliff Cadona was not ruining anyone's life. His mere presence on his own plot of land is NOT enough to ruin anyone's life.
Thu Apr 7 20:04:03 2005

Rob, Kent
What has Smithy Fenn and Wickford got to do with Cliff Codona and Woodside? Nothing.
Thu Apr 7 11:12:18 2005

Jo, Swanley
Maria Hearne,Suffolk:Does Johny Clark live on a site in Swanley. If he does i think i know him.
Thu Apr 7 11:07:39 2005

Jack Jones, USA
Is there an internet site where I can watch "Kilroy's week with the Gypsies"?
Thu Apr 7 01:39:22 2005

Maria Hearne Suffolk
I have cousons in Swamly Kent their names are Jo and Johny Clark. Their fathers name is Tidler and their mothers name was Bluey. Who also live in Swanly Kent. If anyone kowns of them, I would live to hear from you. Maria Hearne.
Wed Apr 6 21:53:33 2005

John, Cambs
Amie, sorry I don't feel sorry for Mr Codona. There are enought settled people such as those living near the camps in Smithy Fenn and Wickford who I do feel dorry for because their lives have been ruined.
Wed Apr 6 15:17:29 2005

Bob Lovell New Zealand
M Edwards, Bath. Even away down under in NZ, reading your dilo (SILLY) comments re Travellers beating up Pensioner. I must comment! These terrible things are happening world wide , all races involved. But I can say if these two Travellers are of Romani Blood. Well they will be nothing to anyone in the Romany race. One would not even put them out if they were on fire. I hope you understand, if these two men are Romani, they will be punished by our moral code more than any Gorgo Prison system could. Thats if they are Romani? in the first place. Bob Lovell.
Wed Apr 6 09:25:08 2005

Tiknoeskro
All credit to Cliff Codona for putting himself forward to speak to the populace about Gypsy life. I truly felt his his pride when he said he was happy... the look in his eye said it all for me... no matter what they chuck at us, they can never quench our spirit.
Tue Apr 5 23:09:37 2005

Deborah, New Zealand
I have just discovered that my grandmother was a gypsy. Her name was Eveline Mayo. If anyone can give me any information that would help me to find out more about my family, I would be really thankful. Cheers.
Tue Apr 5 22:32:47 2005

Amie, Ely
John from Cambs, are you saying gauja children aren't cocky? Well, maybe the air's different round your part of Cambs, but here in Ely I can assure you all the kids - Gypsy, Gauja, Black and White - they're all as cocky as each other. I personally think Cliff Cadona had a right to feel angry; even Kilroy admitted that "his whole way of life has just been destroyed". I was actually anxious about watching the program, as I, too, wondered about the motives, but I was impresed by the end, that Kilroy said he had managed to dispel his personal prejudices, even if he still did not agree with the political issues.
Tue Apr 5 21:14:18 2005

Rob, Kent
Raelee In my experience Romanies tend to be very conservative and old fashioned in out look. marraige young and marraige for life is the ideal people are expected to follow, divorce is rare and looked down on. Similarly homosexuality the attitude probably isn't as liberal as the mainstream of U.K society, yes no doubt. That said I do know of one or two Gay Romany men, and while I guess it isn't easy for them, they certainly don't flaunt it, it's widely known in the community they are gay, they don't get 'outcast' form what I've seen as Cliff seemed to suggest. Ok they don;t have it easy at all..but then I'd still say they have a far easier time then for example those in the asain community in U.K.
Tue Apr 5 18:49:54 2005

Rob, Kent
Be fair John if you bought a home perfectly legally, then the council set about trying to chuck you of it in a sustained campaign lasting eight years of stress ordeal and finances for you're family wouldn;t you be slightly agressive. Mr Codona has my utter respect for the way he has held his temper so long and continued to fight the ignorance and prejudice which he and his family have had to suffer for so long. While the settled community fails to be in any way sympathetic to that prefering instead to demonise such people, and mutter about 'rubbish' hardly suprising tensions abound IMHO.
Tue Apr 5 18:40:31 2005

John, Cambs
Guy, unfortunately I didn’t think that the program portrayed gypsies in the best light at all. My family and I were shocked at the mess they caused in such a lovely area, also when they visited another gypsy site the cocky behaviour of the children was appalling. The program failed to convince me that gypsies are the same as the settled community. They were behaving very aggressively towards the end, even though they had been there illegally for EIGHT YEARS!
Tue Apr 5 12:21:39 2005

Rob, Broadstairs
I thought Cliff came across well too, I had been suspicious of Kilroy's motives for doing it, or has impartiality, but hats off to the man he at least came and met travellers, gave them some respect and a voice, rather than just swallowing the rubbish the tabloids spew out as truth and pointing fingers like many. Well done to everyone involved in it.
Tue Apr 5 11:52:14 2005

raelee
I watched too watched kilroy and the gypsies last night on channel 4. Is it true that Romanys find things like homosexuality abhorent or was that just the view of the gyspy family on the programme. Is there any tolerance for say bisexual or transgendered people amongst the gyspy community or like the gentleman on tv says are they bannished from their community, I only ask as a matter of interest.
Tue Apr 5 10:28:35 2005

Guy
Well done to Mr Cliff Codona for allowing the cameras onto his site for "Kilroys Week With The Gypsies" on TV tonight. He was honest and open and both himself and his family portrayed themselves in a very good light- a credit to the Gypsy community. I often read these boards, occasionally leave messages, I am not a Romany but have many wonderful Gypsy friends from my Kentish days and have fond memories of Derby week spent with friends from the travelling community. I hope tonights programme may help encourage some others from my (settled) community to challenge their prejudices against Gypsies.
Mon Apr 4 22:07:19 2005

rossiter
M.EDWARDS BATH You read in the paper that a lady of 105 was beaten up and robbed by travellers and that "in the eyes of the Gypsy community this is perfectly accaeptable behaviour? well it must be mustnt it" that really is a childish ignorant comment to make. Anyone who does this to a 105 year old lady has to be among the lowest form of life that has ever crawled across the face of gods earth. It doesnt matter if they are travellers, gawjos or any race you care to mention what they have done is disgusting and they should be caught and punished. I dont think you will find anyone on this site that feels any different to me were this is concerned. And as for never seeing any comments on here condeming unruly action by travellers there are enough people like you allready doing that now you want us to begin condeming each other? Of course there are people who act in ways that are unaceptable to others but isnt that true of every race? Its a sad fact that fairly often you read of old age pensioners being beaten and robbed normally for just a few pounds this time it was travellers but I bet if you go back through the last 10 cases or more were this has happened it was gawjos responsible did you leave your messages on any other sites when people of your own race did this ? or do you save your comments just for travellers?
Mon Apr 4 19:05:41 2005

kelly...lancaster
To M.Edwards Bath Since i am a gypsy and speaking on behalf of the gypsy communities indeed we dont find beating up and robbing old ladies... perfectly acceptable behaviour, what do you think we are savages? I have been reading newspaper for most of my life, and for most of that time the news papers are filled with the non-travellers commiting white coller, crimes,debauchery, shootings,football hooligans, yobboes, murders,rape and all the filth and dirt ect, so let me just say that we dont condone to anyone beating people up, even more so an old lady. And if you still want to criticise and insult perhaps ypu should arrange for the 200,000 of to be transported to an island out in no where land and when we are not here any more, you will realise that Britain is the most violent country in the europian union and in percentage stakes we by large are the peaceful, and the non-travellers are the indifferent, that you should sort out.
Mon Apr 4 18:23:53 2005

Amie, Ely
M Edwards from Bath, I find your post slightly confusing. Obviously the incident you speak of is absolutely disgusting - too disgusting for words - and I doubt anyone on this site, Romany or otherwise, would disagree with me. But it's not really about the negative side of the Gypsy comunity, rather the negative side of the Human Race. They didn't beat the woman up because they were Gypsies, they beat her up because they were very nasty people, so it shouldn't be up to us to use up space on this message board talking about how terrible human beings can be, when it has nothing to do with our ethnicity or culture. If I want to condemn actions such as that I go to message boards dedicated to condemning men who beat up pensioners. But since most such men are not Gypsies, this board dedicated to Romany issues should not be used discuss it. The fact that they happened to be Gypsies was irrelevant.
Mon Apr 4 16:40:27 2005

edward penfold , barnstaple
ello kel , i am a penfold but am in devon but i do know a lot of us in london wich ones you lookin for
Mon Apr 4 15:37:53 2005

edward penfold ,barnstaple
ello tommy of south molton i know robert penfold hes my uncle he marreid me dads sister . who els do ya know mush . are you the fella who used to go about wid michal roberts of winklei
Mon Apr 4 15:33:10 2005

prissy smith in kent
just been reading through to what some have wrote, i am a true romany and very proud ,there should be more sites for travellers ,if they buy there own land they should be given the planning permission others get it, if there was more sites some would not buy greenbelt land , i think it is because there is a lot of jelousy and travellers can earn a living for there selfsand defend there selfs and not be told how to live there lives.
Mon Apr 4 14:17:20 2005

sue weymouth
does anyone know of a romany family called the Beswicks around Lincolnshire
Mon Apr 4 14:04:08 2005

Rob, Broadstairs
M Edwards. Sad but these things happen in all communities. I've read hundreds of stories over the years of elderly grannies being attacked beaten, sexually assualted in their homes, none of the perpetrators travellers. There are people that commit these crimes in all communities, probably far more in your community I'd guess, whichever you're from. Thankfully they are extrememlly rare in traveller community which still has strong sense of morality and respect. These things are as horrifyin, unusual and as unnaceptable to travellers as they are to others, if not more so, trust me.
Mon Apr 4 11:49:45 2005

Johnny, Wales
To M Edwards, Bath. Gyspy or Gorgio, we are all supposed to be Human. No human in their right mind, would concider what you described as acceptable! I have not read this newspaper account, but I would be very surprised if These "Travellers" were Romanies. In our culture, the older you are, the more you are respected. I am truly offended that you think that Gypsy people would condone such disgusting behaviour! with regard to your comments on how we seem to have nothing to say about "unruly elements", please bear in mind that we are constantly being Criminalised by the Laws of the Establishment. Being placed on the fringe of Society also places you on the fringe of the Law! Also, I would say that a very small proportion of Gypsies would have access to the Internet to make any comment on ANYTHING. Lastly, why should Gypsies comment on the actions of others who have nothing to to with us?
Mon Apr 4 11:28:15 2005

Maria Hearne. Brentwood
Hi I am Maria Hearne, I was born in Brentwood Essex 1945. I am wondering if any one could help me as I am trying to trace my family tree. My father Ambrose Hearne was born in Cambridge my mother Lavina Street was born I think in spolding. If any one should know of us, or think they may have any emformation reguarding the Hearnes and the Streets. Both my parents were true Romany gypies, so were there parents be for them. In fact my parents told me that both there parents never married out, they ony married Romany Gypsy. So if anyone could help I would be most grateful to you.
Sat Apr 2 18:04:01 2005

M.Edwards, Bath
I read in the paper today that two travellers beat up and robbed a 105 year old woman in her home. I suppose in the eyes of the gypsy community this is perfectly acceptable behaviour? Well, it must be mustn’t it? In all the time I have spent reading this forum I have never once seen a message where anybody from the gypsy community has condemned the actions of any unruly elements amongst them, usually there are messages form gypsies saying that they are being discriminated against by the right wing press or just no word on the subject at all. No doubt the BBC will either decide that this message shouldn’t be used or will edit much of it out, but until people are allowed a place to discuss these issues with gypsies then people will continue to draw their own negative conclusions.
Sat Apr 2 17:19:50 2005

frannie rossiter/cooper
to lol in kent i saw your message and saw that your grandfather wes james rossiter did he have a brother called ambrose [bud]if so ambrose was my grandfather. kushti bok
Fri Apr 1 18:57:49 2005

Rob. Broadstairs
Barbara I believe it's under 10% which have been on greenbelt land. I think everyone agrees these are generally unlikely to be granted planning permission for anybody, so I don't think they are really what's bothering most people. For travellers it's the other 9 out of 10 on land that would be approved for anyone else but is refused to them, that is really causing the problem. That said there is a shortage of land in U.K in cities, and the government have set aside hundreds of acres of greenbelt land to develop new housing estates on, to solve this housing shortage. Predictably though not ONE acre of this has been put aside for a single travellers site, just houses. The government basically treat travellers as if they dont exist, and should go into 'normal' housing like 'eevryone else'. Ignoring the fact travellers have a right to caravan sites as part of their culture enshrined in international law, and the government a legal obligation to provide them. Our government is the only 'civilised' government in the western world trying to shirk it, nobody else does or can. Spain, France and U.S.A all have traveller populations at least double of U.K, and no such problems, simply because they don't discriminate against them in housing anbd provide for them and their different needs. It's encouraging moves have now been made to change this in U.K, but also very dissapointing it's being dressed up as 'special treatment' rather than fair treatment, and the government are suggesting things like allowing illegal camps on greenbelts and commons be approved 'under the table'. Travellers arnt asking for that, just equality and to be provided for like evryone else, with respect for their different culture and needs.
Fri Apr 1 11:15:37 2005

Barbara, Kent
Rob: Broadstairs. Your points make interesting reading and it may well be that your figures regarding the percentage of 'non traveller' applications for planning permission are accurate – I personally don't have access to such figures so I have no way of knowing. However, let's assume that they are, and so on the surface of it it appears that travellers are indeed being discriminated against. But let's also look at the deeper picture. How many of the sites for which permission has been applied for are in green belt (i.e. farmland with no intended residential use?). Certainly in the area I am living in where we have 4 unofficial sites within two miles of my home, every one of those sites are on green belt land. Can you therefore wonder at it that permission isn't easily forthcoming? It would be interesting to know the percentage of both travellers' and non-travellers' applications which are for development of green belt land before we make judgement on whether there is indeed discrimination going on. After all, if you set up what is to all intents and purposes a small village in the middle of picturesque farmland you can't really expect immediate unconditional approval. How do things go when you apply for permission on what is already allocated as residential land?
Fri Apr 1 09:53:02 2005

Rob, Broadstairs
Pete in Swansea, It's not about making planning 'easier' for travellers, it's about making it 'fair' for travellers. At the moment 80% of caravan sites built by non travellers are granted permission, whilst 905 of all those owned by travellers and Gypsies is refused. Plain and simple racism. It's that inequality, couple with the fact that since 1994 the government have also been pretending Gypsies don't exist, have been closing down 'council' sites and not building anymore, that has created the dreadful derth of illegal sites now abundant. Travellers are treated equally in every other sphere of housing, houses, flats, but NOT caravan sites. This MUST change.
Wed Mar 30 22:34:36 2005

kelly herne bay kent
to vicky shropshire first of all congrats on youre babe i am also pregnant and had the same idea my grandad and mums family are rom and i found out im having a girl and used a old family name from the cooper lee tribe of my grandads family talitha like it was meant to be it seems to come to you from those around you i know a few girls names and a few boys hope they help girls gentilia mimi talitha urania and boys lias ,tolah wacker they may seem unusual but have meaning good luck with youre babe miduvel del kushto kelly
Wed Mar 30 20:37:12 2005

Tina,Herts
Hi,this is a long shot and i mean a long shot.I wont give to many details.In 1949 my mum was born and at about 6wks of age her and some of her older siblings(was 1 of 13) were taken into care.The reason for posting here,it was in Kent and the 'story'is she was from an irish traveling family.Does anyone know anymore?Would they allow it to happen?If you can help i would be gratful.
Wed Mar 30 19:52:55 2005

Johnny, Wales
To Vicki, we had a bitti boy in January and called him Tobias. If it had been a girl, we liked the name Romilly. You can't beat the old fashioned names. Kushti Bok to you and yours, let us know what you finally choose
Tue Mar 29 21:35:12 2005

Vicki, Shropshire
Hi there! Was just wondering if anyone could help me with something quite fun! I have recently found out that i am pregnant, I am a Gorger but my Husband is a full romany and we live the romany way of live, although we are on a fixed site we travel in the summer. Anyway, I would really like my new baby to have a traditional romany name, something quite unusual would be nice, so i was wondering if anyone could give me some nice suggestions for boys and girls names?? Mine and My Husbands Surname is Lee so it will have to be something that sounds alrite with that at the end. Any help much appreciated. Vicki
Tue Mar 29 13:47:50 2005

Diane
Hi There I am researching the PETTIGROVES.If anyone knows of them? Please get in touch. Many Thanks.
Mon Mar 28 19:32:14 2005

Veshengro, Surrey
To Jack Jones You do not have to register to leave a comment. Unregistered users are permitted on my Blogs. I have tried it without registering. It works. Why not also have a look over to O DROM Romani Community (the link is on the Blogs). OK, there you have to register to be part of it but that is for our protection. Kushti bok... Veshengro
Mon Mar 28 19:04:59 2005

Jack Jones, USA
Veshengero,Surrey I had a look at the blog you referenced in an earlier post. I like it. I would have left a comment but at blogspot you have to register. I think alot of people may be reluctant to comment on blogspot blogs for that same reason. Anyway, the blog is very interesting. I like reading about Gypsy history written by people who seem to have taken the time to research it. I believe that until recently, most Gypsies didn't know much about their own history. Also until recently, many gypsies--probably most--avoided talking about their culture. As I've mentioned before my grandfather used to tell people he was an american indian. I'm glad to see that's changing.
Mon Mar 28 06:32:08 2005

matt-cray
anyone no any coopers in st mary cray
Sun Mar 27 21:40:06 2005

B. Somerset
Johnny from Wales, I agree with you totally. Whilst Irish Travellers and Romany Gypsies both like to live life on the open road, this is unfortunately where the similarities end. Good to see that the Daily Mail is acknowledging that it’s not us who cause the problems but the latest influx of Irish Travellers. I don not blame settled people for not being able to distinguish between a Romany Gypsy and an Irish Traveller – especially when reading reports in newspapers – but unless the media point out who is responsible for this negative image and unruly behaviour then it is unlimitedly true Romany folk who will suffer their actions most. It annoys me when Irish travellers claim that all gypsies are the same. This isn’t true. Our history is very different to yours and Romany Gypsies are unique.
Sun Mar 27 13:59:00 2005

Johnny, Wales
I see the penny has finally dropped with the Daily Mail, that it is the Irish "Travellers" that are causing all the unwanted Traveller problems in this country. They have nothing in common at all with Romanies. they now go to the fairs and cause trouble there, so much so, that your proper Traveller is considering staying away! these are the people that the authorities should be doing something about. they are getting short shrift in their own Country, that's why they have come over here! Some may consider that I'm being Racist, that may be true, but their actions have effected racism toward my people and we are well used to that anyway! This is only my opinion, the facts as I see them. As a rule,Romanies live apart from others, that's why we hate to associated with others!
Sat Mar 26 13:10:24 2005

B, Somerset
My family and I have lived in a small village in Kent for almost twenty years and we get on very well with the local community, amongst which I class many as genuine friends. Last summer a group of Irish traveller’s arrived and built and illegal site in local field to the disgust of the local residents myself included. When I arrived in my village I worked hard to become accepted, but the latest arrival haven’t even tried to make an effort with all kinds of anti-social behaviour spoiling what was once a lovely place to live. Now some of the people in the village which I got along with so well are accusing my family and me of attracting these people to the village. We have now taken the difficult decision to move away to a house in another village slightly further away. There are different types of Gypsies, and I certainly don’t class myself as an Irish traveller. By lumping Romany gypsies and Irish travellers as ‘one’, many of today’s problems are being attributed to Romany’s when we have lived alongside settled folk for centuries. You will hear Irish travellers claiming to be the same as Romany Gypsies, but this certainly doesn’t work both ways.
Sat Mar 26 11:53:03 2005

kelly herne bay kent
this is a message to dave spice of battersea i read maybe an old message of yours and you mentioned the surname cooper and if anyone has any connextions to this family if they may be related my grt nan was ann lee and was blood related to rose lee and also the cooper family im not sure how they connect as family but my grandad told my mother that he was born in kent in a romany vardo in 1912 and was part of a big fairground tribe he spoke of it often and before he died told us he reggretted ever settling down he also said that all the men were unusually tall for romany wich is a typical trait if our family as we are all tall could there be any link between the coopers you talk of please contact me with any info would be very greatfull miduvel del kushto nais tuke xx
Sat Mar 26 10:30:22 2005

Kelly...Lancaster
To Pete Swansea...the goverment decided in 1994 to not build anymore sites for the travellers so now we obviously have a major problem and since there is about two hundred thousand traveling families in britain it would`nt take a rocket scientist to realise this is a major problem. And most of the sites the councels built was beside electric pillions, waste tips or sewage works. the travelling people have no more sites now to pull on ...so they they apply for planning permmision on none green belt AND GET REFUSED PLANNING PERMISSION..they have no where to go except to another "illegal" stopping place the europian court of human rights has told the British government to build more sites but fell on deaf ears which is an nfringment on our cival and human rights, obviously the british government did`nt listen, so in essence the government have created this problem.
Fri Mar 25 20:31:31 2005

Veshengro, Surrey
To JANEY LEE AS regards the website.. have a look at the O NEVO DROM Blog on http://onevodrom.blogspot.com/, for instance, and follow the links from there, say, to the O DROM Community Forums... obviously that also applies to everyone else who would like to have a dikh and maybe get involved. Latcho drom Veshengro
Fri Mar 25 19:29:51 2005

Madeline Ebbw Vale S Wales
i lived in hampshire for many years befor moving to wales and mt alot of romani gypsies al of them i found to be hard working and approchable i wasnt untill recently i was told my grand mother was of romani decent her name was victoria alexader may haines she was orriginally from kent she lived with my grandfather in kilburn nw6 but was never married to him his name was dolling both deceased now any information would be great . by the way romanis in wales are are great xxx madeline fereday
Thu Mar 24 21:40:45 2005

rachel kent
hi im a traveller im 16 year old and have lived in a trailer all me life i cant see why gorgers wont leave us alone we dont interfear in there buisness so why do they interfear in ares me dads worked hard to bring me and me family up yeah we have nice motors and trailers whats wrong with that
Thu Mar 24 21:06:22 2005

britty lee belvedere
i am britty lee from belvedere i used to live on crab tree dave from maidstone why do you wanna know about jonny lee?
Thu Mar 24 18:28:41 2005

Tilly, Hereford
Dolfey, wher do u settle in hereford? i used to live in a wagon, i now liv in a house with ma boyfriend and i prefer this way of living. u got more privacy and you dunt get moaned at!
Thu Mar 24 17:42:11 2005

Pete, Swansea
Why should we make planning laws easier for ‘travellers’ - surely that's favouritism, and discriminatory against non-travellers. There is some beautiful countryside in Britain so there should be no building on green belt land – this should apply to both gypsies and settled people.
Thu Mar 24 17:16:26 2005

kel, London
Hello there, I come from a big family and our grandfather was a traveler, his name was Gurney. I am also related to the Penfolds..does anyone know these names?? thanks..
Thu Mar 24 14:46:35 2005

dolfey: hereford
I am a traveller, when travellers are moving around from one place to another police, councils, and reisdents are soon there to move them on. They dont want us pulling on lay-bys car parks and private land, councils dont want to spend any money on sites. so when we go to work and earn money and pay taxes and save to buy a piece of land with the money that we've earnt, why do they make it so difficult for us to get planning, if a gorger can earn money and buy a property where they want and be able to apply and get the planning they want eg conservatries, garages, loft conversions etc, when teavellers puts in for planning for one or two trailers to go on a piece of land they are forever getting refused, if the council planning laws for travellers is made more easier there would be more applications for planning from travellers, rather than us just moving onto land.gorgers have their way of living (houses) and travellers have theirs (trailers). councils police and gorgers dont want us on their land they dont want us moving around they dont want us to buy land and move on it so WHAT are we supposed to do! (MAKE PLANNING LAWS EASIER FOR TRAVELLERS!)
Wed Mar 23 20:03:53 2005

sam
Any one know any Mcphees or Macmillians?
Wed Mar 23 11:31:55 2005

emma from hereford
hi i have been married to a traveller for 8 years and they've been the best. people paint them blacker than what they are, 8/10 people who critisize travellers havent even met 1. They read to many papers and watch to much tv. we have a great family the tradition is great, the fairs are the best. theyre not dirty poor trouble makers that pull any where, most of the land me and my family live on we've brought and its been passed. so mortage payers shouldnt really complain! and yes billy your exactly right well said mush. why dont gorgers worry bout there own problems and get on with life. we only get one go at it. xx
Tue Mar 22 19:32:37 2005

aldie hereford
my name is aldie im a young traveller boy whose looking to buy me aflat cart or wooden wheels axels locksanything suitable to make me a wagon if any one knows where i can get these at a reasonable pice email me at aldiesmith@hotmail.com
Tue Mar 22 14:38:28 2005

Gosling. Australia
My Father was Romany and My mother was guaja. Both are unfortunately dead. My Fathers Family the Goslings lived for a while at the chalk pits in Swanley Kent anybody know them?
Tue Mar 22 02:06:14 2005

tommy south molton
edward from barnstaple,i am related to the penfolds but dont know your dad.ive had a few drinks with robert penfold,barnstaple at bampton fair hes me mams cousin. you know him?
Mon Mar 21 22:41:40 2005

Tom Gumble USA
This is for Mary Windsor.I am Happy Day's(Herbert Gumble's)grandson.I have lived in the USA for the last 8yrs.You can contact me at tom2becky@aol.com.Thanks,Tom.
Mon Mar 21 15:27:46 2005

Walter Crawford - Northern Ireland
"Do unto others as you would have them do unto you". Gypsies/Travellers are only human beings, who like the rest of us, are here for only a short period of time. Lets treat each other as equals. No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.
Mon Mar 21 15:09:41 2005

JANEY LEE
I LOVE THIS SITE. At long last the travelling voice is heard, a voice of questioning, strength and conviction. Many of us are under educated, the 40 year olds like me not having the chance of an academic education, a luxury that that gives you the tool to understand quicker, but does not always make you know more. Many travallers on this site are deep thinkers and I feel so proud that you are all saying what you think. We have been the invisable. This is something in the past that we have wanted, but the younger generation are saying no, we have so much to say. The internet has given us a voice, yet we still have our privacy. We can now really communicate were ever we stop. I am thinking of starting a web site up, along the lines of The Travallers News, what do you all think? I already run a very succesful business in a gorger world, but something has made me comeback to this site time and time again. I think we need to communicate more, to keep things alive. Tell me your views I want to hear from the young travellers who cant always get to see relatives or freinds, would this site help?
Mon Mar 21 01:30:45 2005

frannie surrey
i would like to add some comments regardind gorjers slating us romanys on our site we have had to put up with racism and prejudice and jeaulosy has far back has the 15th century. what is your problem and now a well known tabloid newspaper THE SUN is being racist towards us , like others have mentioned on here there are good and bad in everyone .If the sun paper printed about black people or muslins then are they being racist, well it's the same has gypsies being printed it's racist. This goverment don;t want to help the travellers but set up organisations to help asylum seekers my family are proper romanys it's in the blood has far back has the 15th century and so what if we have nice things we work hard for it and do not steal to earn a living like some are stereo typed. so before any gorjer wants to slate us GET YOUR FACTS RIGHT
Sat Mar 19 17:35:27 2005

Robert, 'man' in kent!
I know Marian, my names Robert by the way..it is up there. But the press is making the arguement that allowing Travellers permission for sites isn't 'equality' when it could be equally argued refusing them is inequality, because it's the only area of housing they don't currently have equal rights with everyone else, in prctise, because of who they are. I'm sure Karri understood I was referring to that, not what she's said. The Igloo example is a great one im opinion, fitting, I'm certainly not knocking it.
Sat Mar 19 01:12:56 2005

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