Being a Romany Traveller by Anthony 

 

Introduce yourself 

My name is Anthony, i'm 18, and I have five brothers and sisters

 

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

I was born in Romany Lane, Bury St Edmunds. I grew up everywhere. I moved here 8 months ago.

 

Why are you a Romany Traveller?

My family has always been Travellers.

 

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

 Boxing.

 

Why do you live in Trailers rather than houses?

Why do people live in houses rather than trailer. Plus you can't put wheels on a house and take it with you.

 

When and where do you travel to?

 I travel to Slough, Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds, Bradford, Harlow and Appleby.

 

How often do you travel in a year?

 All summer usually as soon as good weather starts.

 

What happens at the Horsefairs?

 We buy and sell horses, and go to dances.

 

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

 Because they travel so are never in one place long enough .

 

Do you prefer the term Romany, Traveller or Gypsy?

It doesn't bother me.

 

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

Women do cleaning and look after the family, the men go out to work.

 

Have you experienced prejudice from the local community?

 Some do, some don't, I give them a good hiding if they are.

 

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

No I don't.

 

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

 Yes, grice - horses, screeze - car, mass - meat, mush - man, chavvy - kids, cannex - non travellers

 

Have you ever met any Eastern European Travellers?

Yes - in the UK at horse fairs and at Christian meetings

 

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

 Yes I do.

 

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