GRT Cultural Database
The people and organisations below have got in touch via this website.
If you would like to make yourself known in the communities for your skills and talents submit your details here.
Romany Diamonds
Comprised of three generations of Polish Romany gypsy musicians, The Romany Diamonds are regular performers at the Le Quecumbar the world’s only dedicated Gypsy Jazz venue in South London.
To book Benjamin (guitar), Marek (violin) and sought-after Gypsy jazz bassist Vicktor Obsust call:
Benjamin on 0783 335 7419.
Tricia George
A storyteller who recites tales drawn from the folklore of Bukovinian Gyspy, Welsh Gypsy and Polish Romany and Traveller Peoples.
She teaches a programme that includes a selection of tales interspersed with interactive dance intervals including the Broom Dance and Turkish Romany dance. Tricia teaches all schools ages from Foundation Stage up to years 5 and 6.
Tricia is available for a whole day, morning only or a single performance. Also available is a Roma writing workshop. Step inside a world of enchantment.
Tricia is based in South-East London.
Telephone: 07932 677075
Website: www.stepinside.uk.com
Email: tricia@stepinside.uk.com
Brigid Corcoran
A talented and attractive Country Music artiste who is recognized by her peers as the future voice of Country Music. Her interpretation of the traditional songs added to her understanding of the newer music has made her popular with all generations. Her talent has brought her to the notice of great country entertainers like John McCane and he has spoken in glowing terms of her future in the business.
There is notice being taken of Brigid as far away as the USA and she is in great demand for festivals throughout the UK. Brigid Corcoran has been described as Country Music’s brightest rising star.
Jentina Chapman - Rap Singer, Romani Gypsy
Jentina Chapman was born in a caravan in Woking to a Romany family.
She grew up in West Molesey, Surrey, alongside 13 brothers and sisters. By seventeen she had moved to work in London and got her first record deal at just 19 years old. After a heavy advertising campaign on television and features in various UK music magazines, notably NME, her debut single "Bad Ass Strippa" reached number 22 in the UK singles chart.
View a digital story about Jentina from "Travellers Tales" a DVD created by Gypsy and Traveller communities working with Romani Journalist Jake Bowers.
Romany & Traveller Family History Society
The RTFHS is the pioneer history society for those who are researching their British Gypsy and Traveller ancestors. Founded in 1994 by a group of keen family historians, it remains the largest subscription funded Traveller-related Society in the UK, although membership is now international.
A self-help, non-profit making group, it is run on an entirely voluntary basis by a committee which is elected annually, and a quality, information packed journal, Romany Routes, is issued four times a year.
Top: Stepping at the RTFHS Open Day in Exester.
Above: Janet Keet-Black handing over a volume from the RTFHS owned Robert Dawson Romany Collection to John Creasey of the University of Reading in 2000.
Members have the opportunity to meet at the annual Society Day, with invited speakers and concluding with musical entertainment, or at one of two informal Open Days, the next one being planned for 11 October at Selborne, Hants. There are always lots of photographs on display, plenty of distant cousins to meet and someone on hand to offer friendly advice.
Romany Theatre Company - Suffolk
Established in 2002, Romany-led RTC aims:
- to advance the awareness of the public about Romany people, their culture, history, heritage and language through high quality professional Studio theatrical productions
- to advance the education of young Romany people in the performing arts and theatrical production through professional supported certificated training programmes in Academy UK
- to provide opportunities for Roma and non-Roma people in UK and Europe to learn more about each other and work towards overcoming differences through increased understanding and positive experiences.
Lee Winter
Telephone: 01782 515 121
Lee is a Romany Gypsy singer songwriter who also writes storys and poems. His poems are in both Rumness and English. He has done many gigs and radio work. Find out more on his website.
Contact Lee for bookings or enquiries.
Miriam Wakerly
Telephone: 01276 502055
Frimley, Camberley
Surrey GU16 9NN
Website: www.strongmanpublishing.com
I have self-published a novel, launched 29 March, Gypsies Stop tHere that, although fiction, covers many Traveller issues - stereotypes; eviction; culture; hiding ethnic identity; historical persecution across Europe; etc etc
Talks, discussion groups and the opportunity to buy a signed book!
I am not a Traveller myself but have a keen interest in breaking down the social divide that seems to exist.
Miriam at a book launch in Borders in Brighton with a GRTHM poster in the background.
Romani Roots
Contact Mr & Mrs A German
Telephone: 01527 65308
c/o 146 Upperfield Close,
Church Hill North,
Redditch,
Worcs, B98 9LG
website: www.romaniroots.webs.com
The group ROMANI ROOTS was created in the latter part of 2007 in response to the needs of so many who are of Rromani heritage, whether full or partial, within the Worcestershire community.
Whilst some members of the Romani Race may not support those persons who they may feel are not of "full" Rromani blood, Romani Roots believes those of Rromani heritage are as proud and as Romani as any other amongst our race.
It is our firm belief that these people will retain and perpetuate the culture, language and heritage as much as any other member of the Rromani Race.
Therefore we at Romani Roots have made the commitment to support, promote, educate and perpetuate ALL within the Rromani Race.
We would like the opportunity to show our display/DVD at one of the events for Gypsy Roma Traveller Month, either within Worcestershire or further a field if required.
We feel strongly that it would offer an opportunity for ourselves and others to learn as well as educate.
We would also like to promote the GRT History month on our site as it approaches and during that month as we hope to encourage other groups in our area to participate, educate and learn during this month.
Lincolnshire Gypsy Liaison Group
11a GWEC, Lea Road Gainsborough DN21 1LX
Telephone: 01427 619 521
Traveller run group able to provide displays, training, cultural materials, etc. Currently attending events across the region as well as planning support, working on site, health and education support, fighting racism and discrimination, prison and youth service support, police and staff training a speciality, GTAA work undertaken. working for equality and inclusion.
They have Displays, training, poetry and storytelling, history time line and culture. PASTURES NEW and other high quality DVDS etc. are available.
Andree Morgan Andrews
Telephone: 0797 600 2751 / 0292 040 7919
26 Woolacombe Avenue
Llanrumney
Cardiff
CF3 4TE
Fopr Storytelling sessions, cultural awareness training on the Romany Culture & History, Drama and crafts workshops.
Amare Rromentza
Contact: Lavinia Olmazu
Telephone: 0780 079 9905
Traditional East European Craft and jewellery making.
Heather Ureche
Telephone: 0773 903 7494
14, Nottingham Rd
Southwell
Notts
Heather would like to share her knowledge through talks on history and about Rroma from Eastern Europe, and story telling. She has displays and is willing to travel.
Robert Harrington
"I am a young, Leeds-based musician, I am part Romani myself, I play in many groups and at many events, and I wish to begin writing and talking more about the romani people."
Robert would like to get involved in music, and event promotion.
Flamenco Express
Contact: Rob Kenyon
Telephone: 0207 7328493
Juniper House
Pomeroy St
London
SE14 5BY
Flamenco Express has employed members of the Gitano for over ten years in theatres all over Britain, presenting gypsies in a positive, creative context.
Romany Road
Contact: Mary Horner (nee Hearn)
Telephone: 01432-760938
Romany Road is a non-political, non-profit making group with the aim to share and enjoy recollections of Romany life through information, photographs and stories on their website and in quarterly journals. The society strives to celebrate and record events in their ancestors lives and capture glimpses of by-gone days that allows to present old folki with respect and admiration for their tenacity and survival in what was often a very hostile environment.
They attend events displaying many photographs and promoting Gypsy crafts giving talks and generally trying to break down barriers.
They particularly want young people to get involved to encourage them to record and preserve their family's memories which they are happy to publish.
Cottage Books
Cottage Books
The Cottage
Rempstone Road,
Gelsmoor,
Coleorton,
Leicestershire
LE67 8HR
Books on Romani Gypsies & Other Travellers, both old & new (18th century to just published titles). 4 free catalogues per year. Probably the largest stock of books on this subject in the world, covering history, cultural, tradition, folklore & folktales, language, music, politics, social issues, education, modern day life, recollections, waggons, traditional skills & occupations, literature, children's books. Also DVDs, CDs, old & new postcards, Christmas cards, greetings cards, calendars, prints and paintings. Established 1970 orders must be by post only although Jenny occasionally has a stall at related events. Wants lists welcome.
Jenny is always interested in purchasing books on Romani Gypsies.
Add Yourself to the GRT Directory
If you would like to make yourself known in the communities for your skills and talents submit your details here.
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