Celebrating Traveller and Gypsy Culture

Since 2008, June has been designated as the month to celebrate the history and culture of the Travelling people living in the UK. These include Romany Gypsies, Irish Travellers,Fairground families ('Showmen'), Circus families, European Roma, people who live on the canals and waterways, and 'New' Travellers.

Michael worked with Traveller families for several years in North London, Bedfordshire and Luton, and is affectionately known by the Travellers as 'Curly Michael' because of his distinctive flowing locks.

In June Michael travels throughout the UK to perform several specially commissioned shows for all ages, including 'Frog and the Stranger' for 6 to 11 year olds; 'Watch out for the Badgers' for 5 to 7 year olds, 'Three Wheels on My Wagon' for 3 to 6 year olds; and 'Wheels, Water, Bricks and Mortar' for 5 to 11 year olds. There is also a special day for special schools, called 'A Musical Journey Around the World with the Travellers'.

For more information about ‘Frog and the Stranger’, click here.
A teacher's response to Frog and the Stranger
Find out more about Max Velthuijs and his work

For more information about ‘Watch out for the Badgers’ click here.
A special storytelling day for Southampton.
More information about the Southampton storytelling day.

For more information about storytelling in special schools click here.

For more information about 'Three Wheels on my Wagon' (for under 5s and KS1) and 'Bricks, Water, Wheels and Mortar' (for KS2) click here.

To read a Head of Service's response to 'Wheels, Water, Bricks and Mortar' click here.

… And watch this space for more links, and photos of the shows as they appear!!

Photo Galleries

Creative responses to 'Watch Out For The Badgers' at Nettlebed Primary, Oxfordshire

Click on the thumbnail images below to see a larger version.

A great day at Quay Primary school, Bridlington, East Riding of Yorkshire

We all had a great day at Quay Primary School in Bridlington, East Riding of Yorkshire. Click on the thumbnail images below to see a larger version.

The children were entranced and so were the staff! Michael's obvious joy and enthusiasm for his shows and his message were infectious. The staff and the children couldn't stop talking about his visit for the rest of the week.
Lyndsay Baldock, Head Teacher, Quay Primary School

We thought it was a great day, and the children clearly loved every minute. What a great way to promote Traveller cultural awareness!
Sue Wood, Schools Advisory Teacher

Links and Files

"Connors Rap" inspired by Michael's Performance.

"Story Telling Day with Michael Jones" Article.

Boothferry Primary School, Goole, East Riding of Yorkshire

Artwork from class 3B at Boothferry Primary School, Goole, East Riding of Yorkshire. Click on the thumbnail images below to see a larger version.

Creative Writing from Nettlebed Primary at Oxford Museum

Click on the thumbnail images below to see a larger version.

Scenes from Oxfordshire TES exhibition at Oxford Museum

Oxfordshire TES exhibition with Seamus and his dad enjoying themselves at St. Thomas' Day Nursery, Oxford. Click on the thumbnail images below to see a larger version.

Spontaneous writing after 'Bricks, Water, Wheels and Mortar', Year 4 Maytree Juniors, Southampton

'Vardo' models at Fairisle Infants, Southampton

Bases for model vardoes: a joint technology project between Year 2 at Bassett Green Primary School, Southampton, and a local secondary school

Storytelling marathon for under 5's with Luton's Equalities & Diversity Team, Picnic in the Park 2009 - 15 story sessions without a break!

Photos show members of the team building a traditional 'bender tent' from hazel branches and tarpaulins, a special 'vardo' cake, and some scenes from 'Three Wheels on my Wagon'!

YouTube links featuring Spanish 'Gitano' Flamenco music and dance. Please be aware that though I recommend you look at the pieces of video below, there may be links within that are related to video clips which are of rather dubious quality and content.. I have checked these and nothing seems to appear that is offensive, but video clips can change all the time. Please bear this in mind before you enter these links, as I can't be held responsible for their content. (Having said that, any clips from 'Latcho Drom', Tony Gatliff's excellent film about Gypsy music from around the world, are highly recommended!)

Links and Files

"Latcho Drom Espana Flamenco 2".

For some photos of Gypsy waggons see www.farmtourism-matters.org/galleries.

For information about educational support and initiatives for Travellers see www.natt.org.uk.

Find out about celebrating Gypsy, Roma and Traveller culture with children with severe learning needs, including autism.