The focus of this project was Emma & Hughie Draper who live on the Whitehouse Traveller site in west Ipswich. They have a large extended family, many of whom are still travelling. Ros Green, a freelance journalist and writer with experience of researching and working with Gypsy and Traveller people, conducted an oral history interview with Emma & Hughie to explore how their life has cahnged over the past 50 years. The resulting 'Gypsy Voices' was edited by BBC Radio Suffolk and put into a 'talking box' at the Museum of East Anglian Life, Stowmarket alongside displays of Gypsy/Traveller vans. Visitors can choose from a range of themes, such as health and push a button to hear Emma and Hughie talking about their experiences.
The project built on previous work with the Gypsy/Traveller community and the Suffolk Traveller Education Service. At a four-day event called 'Moving on: Gypsy/Traveller Lifestyles Past & Present' school groups and members of the public attended workshops and demonstrations on themes such as Gypsy dance, music, storytelling and wagon painting. The museum plans to continue this work with schools by developing a loans box on Gypsy/Traveller life to link in with the Citizenship curriculum.
For further information contact the Museum of East Anglian Life.
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