Being a Romany Traveller by Jolene

 

Introduce yourself

I am Jolene, I am 27 and have two children, a boy and a girl aged 6 and 4

Where were you born? Where did you grow up? When did you move to Kessingland?

I was born in Norwich, I grew up in Wisbech, I moved to Kessingland about 3 years ago

Why are you a Romany Traveller?

I was born a Romany Traveller

What do you feel is important to the Traveller Romany Culture?

Travelling is important to keep in touch with family.

Why do you live in Trailers rather than houses?

Because we like to live in trailers, and feel trapped living in one place. We need to be able to move around.

When and where do you travel to?

I travel different times a year, I travel all around, to Great Yarmouth, Wisbech, Hunstanton

How often do you travel in a year?

I would like to travel all through the year

What happens at the horse fairs?

Dealing happens at the horse fair as well as selling horses, crafts, china, linen and all sorts of things. Watton, Stow and Appleby are big fairs. The majority of people are travellers at the fairs, but non-travellers do go as well.

Why do a large number of Traveller children especially teenagers not attend school?

Because of all the Travelling around.

Do you prefer the term Romany, Traveller or Gypsy?

Traveller

What is the women’s role in your culture and what is the man’s role?

Women's role is to clean and to look after the children, and to put the food on the table.  The man’s role is to go to work, drink and sit down a lot. You both decide on when and where to travel.

Have you experienced prejudice from the local community?

No

Do you feel you have any prejudices to non Travellers and other ethnic minorities?

No

Do you know any Roma words or anyone who speaks Roma?

No

Have you ever met any Eastern European Travellers?

No

Do you feel you have kept to the traditional Romany culture i.e. speak Roma; travel; the way you live?

Yes as in the travelling

                       

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