Gypsy Roma Traveller Leeds
The permanent site of the Gypsy Roma Traveller Communities
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Around the site
Ferdinand Koci
Gallery of artwork by Ferdinand Koci. Ferdinand created the artwork "O Baro Dive", the centrepiece of the international competition of the same name. Find out more and view more of his work here. Images and postcards of his work are also available from us. Any queries: Phone David Martin on 0113 2748050 or by e-mail.
Liverpool Gallery
Another fine collection of images Gypsies is held at Liverpool University. They have developed a fantastic website which we also highly recommend. They have allowed us to display a few of their images on this site.
Leeds hosts international Gypsy Roma Traveller History award
Storytelling Awards Ceremony
The awards ceremony for this year's Gypsy Roma Traveller History Month Competition was attended by over 200 guests from across the country to celebrate the achievement of the winners in the national storytelling competition and the international 'O Baro Dive' competition. Last year's ceremony was held in the House of Lords.
The national Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month in June this year saw hundreds of events across Britain celebrating the history of Britain’s most misunderstood and marginalised communities.
As part of the celebrations, children and young people were invited to create a story inspired by Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities, which could be written, recorded and drawn, but last no longer than five minutes.
A separate international competition entitled ‘O Baro Dive’, meaning ‘the big day’ or ‘celebration’ in Romani, invited children from around the world to describe in no more than 100 words a poster montage of Gypsy Roma and Traveller images, representing the culture, music and some of the important events in the community’s year. Entries were received from across Britain and Europe.
The events were organised by the Gypsy Roma Traveller History Month committee, Education Leeds, the National Association of Teachers of Travellers and other professionals (NATT+) and community members from around the country.
Over a thousand young people entered the competitions and the winners gathered at Leeds Civic Hall to receive prizes and certificates presented by the Deputy Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Andrew Barker, Taffy Thomas, storyteller laureate, and competition judges.
There were readings, performances and an opportunity to meet artists, storytellers and musicians from the Gypsy Roma Traveller communities, who were in Leeds to celebrate the children and young people’s achievements.
Councillor Richard Harker, executive board member for education at Leeds City Council, said:
“It’s a privilege for Leeds to host these national and international Gypsy, Roma and Traveller awards.
“The Gypsy Roma Traveller Achievement Service has been recognised by Ofsted for improving learning and cultural understanding of these communities for more than 25 years.
“These young people, some of who are from the Leeds area, have created some excellent pieces of work and should be proud of their achievements.”
Chris Edwards chief executive of Education Leeds, said:
“We must continue to encourage our children and young people to learn more about Gypsy Roma Traveller cultures while at the same challenging negative stereotypes.
“The work submitted for both competitions are impressive and show the imaginations and attention to detail that young people have.
“It is great that these awards are taking place in Leeds and everyone who has taken part should be proud of their achievements.”
Jess Smith, Scottish Traveller, author and storyteller, who was one of the judges from the communities, said:
“Gypsy Traveller Roma people are dedicated to a strong sense of family values and the continuing importance of community spirit. All entrants portrayed this along with varying colourful descriptions of horses, wagons (vardos) singing, music, storytelling and the sense of belonging to a world wide family of lovely people.”
Jake Bowers, English Romani journalist and broadcaster, was the master of ceremonies and the first storyteller laureate, Taffy Thomas, performed and supported the art of storytelling and the richness of the cultural heritage to which the Gypsy Roma Traveller communities have contributed.
Also see
Photographs
Picture galleries of the awards ceremony can be seen on the Gypsy Roma Traveller History Month website at:
Photographs were taken on the day by BA photography student Leanne Clark and Patricia Knight, national co-ordinator for GRTHM.
Images are arranged in four galleries and can be downloaded as souvenirs and for printing.
Get the Book
The winners and highly commended stories from the competition have been compiled into a colourful, 48 page paperbook. The book "Gypsy, Roma and Traveller Storybook" is available from NATT+. See their website for details or contact Claire Lockwood.