Profile

Patricia Knight: National Coordinator

I am delighted to have the opportunity of working with all Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities on this our first ever national History month.

As a Romany Gypsy, first generation settled and educated at University level, I have always been extremely proud of my people and culture. With a strong traveller heritage of resilience and resourcefulness I felt equipped to take on many challenges in a career in community development and health.

The GRT traditions of herbal health and healing contributed to a strong commitment to an integrated health approach based on self-help and a resonance with nature. On moving back to the country from London – to raise my daughter Riah – I trained in acupuncture, reflexology and flower remedies, planning a therapeutic career.

These plans were halted when the Bonfire Society in my village of Firle in East Sussex burnt images of Gypsy women and children in their trailer home – which was covered with derogatory slogans and statements about Gypsies and Travellers.

In the absence of media coverage or public outcry, I took the issue to the press, appeared on BBC TV and informed GRT advocacy and rights organisations. I liased with the CRE, the Gypsy Council and the Traveller Law Reform Society. The Attorney General became involved and 12 individuals were subsequently charged with inciting racial hatred towards Gypsies and Travellers. The anger that was turned towards my daughter and myself was immense. We were threatened by correspondence from the BNP; my car was vandalised and “pikey” scratched on the paintwork. The following year an effigy of me was carried through the streets on Lewes – at the Lewes Bonfire and burnt.

I have been able to use this experience as a radicalising force in my work with my community. During the last 3 years I have been involved in many local GRT initiatives: a women’s health project, consultation work with local GRT community, presentations in schools, photography projects, work with the Czech Roma, and media projects e.g. the Radio 4 Food Programme on GRT food.

My background in individual and community empowerment means that I am committed to emphasising GRT strengths, skills and achievements.

I look forward to meeting and working with you all over the coming weeks and in the month of June – when these strong elements of GRT life and culture can be celebrated and shared.

Contact Patricia

Contact Patricia by telephoning:
01273 858746 or
07859 026996
or via email: patricia@grthm.co.uk