Event to mark Gypsy and traveller day

Archbishop’s Palace in Southwell will come alive with the sights and sounds of the Gypsy, Roma, Traveller History Month event.

A day conference and exhibition to raise awareness of Gypsy Traveller culture, history and lifestyle is being held in the State Chamber of the Archbishop’s Palace on Tuesday 16th June.

The Diocese of Southwell and Nottingham are hosting the day with speakers and contributors examining some of the negative stereotyping and prejudices surrounding the communities.

Keynote speakers include the diocesan officer for Equality and Diversity, Dianne Skerrit, who said: “We hope the day will give us some clarity about the lifestyle and history of the more than 300,000 GRT community of whom it’s said have contributed to the life and history of British Society for over 500 years.”

Lorinda Liversidge, Gypsy &andTraveller Liaison Officer for Notts County Council and The Rev Martin Burrell, Chaplain to the Roma, Travellers and Gypsies from St Alban’s Diocese; Nathalie, Richard and Daniel Bennett from Gypsy Life; plus Gordon Boswell, owner of the Gordon Boswell Romany Museum are also speaking at the event, which runs from 10am – 3.30pm.

There will be an opportunity to visit the exhibition – including a horse-drawn vardo – on loan from the Gordon Boswell Romany Museum, in the crossing of the cathedral.

For more information or to book a place, contact Catriona Gundlach: email [email protected] or tel 01636 817232.