Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month Celebrations 2019

Southwest Dorset Multicultural Network held another successful Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month event on Saturday 29th June 2019 in Borough Gardens in partnership with Kushti Bok.

This annual event to celebrate and recognise the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller Community in Dorset and across the Southwest attracted an enthusiastic and interested crowd. Cllr Richard Biggs, Mayor of Dorchester, opened the event. We were blessed with amazing weather throughout the day and there was a real buzz of excitement. The atmosphere was enhanced by the beautiful sound of Gypsy music and children playing, enhanced even further by the aroma of traditional cooking.

The children’s fun fair ride, from Les Benham, proved to be a favourite again and kept the younger children happy while the parents browsed our various stalls. There were plenty of other activities to keep the children entertained.

This year saw record numbers of members from the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller community who came along to the event. Their presence added genuine authenticity and value by sharing their knowledge and experiences of living in Dorset.

Our newly found due played a superb selection of music through the afternoon and quite a number of people took this opportunity to dance along despite the heat.

Leon’s ‘Hands on’ experience of peg making was another favourite and despite seeing him do this year on year, the skill levels needed still elude me. The Vardo and equipment created an atmosphere and visual attraction.

Betty, Sylvia and Karen, from Kushti Bok, had used up all their provisions of bacon dumplings, apple dumplings with fresh cream, rolls, herbal teas and teas and coffees. This year’s crowd favourite was the nettle lemonade.

Finally many thanks to all our members, volunteers and funders for supporting this family event.