The End of a Successful Month!

The first Gypsy Roma Traveller History Month has come to a satisfactory conclusion.

There are a few events that are still to take place this month but the bulk of GRTHM 2008 has now finished.

We hope everyone who attended any of the events in their area enjoyed the celebrations and entertainment on show.

Keep an eye on the site as we will be summarise the month and have reviews of some of the concerts, exhibtions and shows complete with photographs.

Activities Competitions

The internation Activities Competitions are still open

As part of the June celebrations of we have devised a number of activity competitions for you to show off your talents with loads of prizes. The closing date isn't until the end of July.

Read more on the activities mini-site >

United Nations Statement

A statement by Gay McDougall, United Nations Independent Expert on Minority issues, on UK National Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month emphasised the importance of the the month when stating: "I warmly welcome today the beginning of the UK National Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month as a valuable example of how minorities’ contributions to society can and should be discussed, celebrated and promoted. Widespread societal discrimination and anti-Gypsy, Roma and Traveller prejudice continues and must be addressed by all countries in which it remains an ugly and disturbing reality."

Read Gay McDougall's complete statement >

The also event has the backing of Lord Adonis, Parliamentary Under Secretary for Schools.

He states: “We can challenge myths, tackle prejudice and be in a position to offer a balanced debate about the issues. We will all be able to celebrate the richness that Gypsy, Roma and Travellers communities bring to our everyday lives through their many and varied academic and artistic achievements.”

The celebrations have started. Its aims are simple:

• to explain the history and culture of the communities,
• to challenge myths and break down barriers,
• to celebrate the richness that these communities bring to our everyday lives.

Finally, Gay McDougall again: "Legislation on non-discrimination alone will never be enough. Creative and educational initiatives such as this one are also required to challenge stereotypes and overcome barriers. UK National Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month is an important step on a long road towards discussing and confronting discrimination against such communities. "

Rokker Radio

Rokker Radio, presented by Jake Bowers, featured GRTHM during June, including live broadcasts from Appleby Fair.

Click here to listen the latest show >

Jake Bowers is a Romani journalist and a regular contributor to the Guardian and BBC Radio 4. ‘Rokker Radio’ is the only radio show in Britain for Gypsies and Travellers and is broadcast across the East of England on BBC local radio.

GRTHM Magazine

Two issues of a magazine are being produced to support GRTHM 2008. The first issue is available to download here!

Download issue one >

 

Competitions

There are a number of competitions running for GRTHM.

We must first mention the National and Regional Poster Competition that whetted the appetites of thousands of school-children and young people who entered.

Read about the competition here >

Competition 1: We have three DVDs of the great Gypsy Music Film/Documentary Gypsy Caravan: When the Road Bends to give away thanks to the ICA in London.

Click here to read more and enter >

Competition 2: As part of the June celebrations of we have devised a number of activity competitions for you to show off your talents with loads of prizes.

Read more on the activities mini-site >

Competition 3: Photo Archive Competition. 5x Technika Digital Cameras to be won in this exciting competition being co-ordinated by Rose Wilson from Cambridgeshire Race Equality & Diversity Service Team for Traveller Education!

Read more >

Hot off the Press: Postcards

Postcard versions of the posters produced for GRTHM featuring the work of professional GRT artists are now available as a complete pack of five for just £2.50 or 75p each.

More details >