Gypsy Roma Traveller Leeds

The permanent site of the Gypsy Roma Traveller Communities

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Romano Drom

Jeremy Sandford who compiled the book was the editor of Romano Drom, a newspaper written by and for Britain's Gypsies. He has also worked closely with the Gypsy Council.

Published in 1975 by Sphere Books the New Society wrote:

"This collection of documents brings vividly before us, often on the same page or in the same sentence, the astonishing vigour of Romany culture, its pride and colour, its wit and tenacity, and, alongside that, the "squalor of rubbish tips and refuse dumps ... the endless series of evictions ... the sprawl and concrete of our local authority sites", which now forms its real environment."

Storytelling project

Seven Weeks of Childhood

Michael Reeves reads from Johnny Connor's autobiography

If your computer has speakers you will be able to enjoy Michael Reeves reading from Johnny Connors' "Seven weeks of Childhood - An Autobiography".

The story comprises part of Jeremy Sandford's Compilation 'Gypsies'. The entire reading is over 90 minutes and is cut here into 10 parts.

Click on a section below to listen

• The Early Years
• Johnny's love of fishing
• The Travellers Fairs
• Bad winters and the birth of 'Spring' Johnny's pup
• Language, Spring becomes the 'best dog in the world'
• Drinking, a song and being moved on
• Mary Sahoe and Donkeys
• Being taught by Nuns
• First time in a classroom
• The end of lessons

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