romani rai
Running time: 25 minutes
Victa Corvo Penfold is an artist, author and musician. A true-blooded Romani, he was brought up in the Romani traditions and customs, in the pagan religion, travelling with the fairs as a wagon painter and eventually becoming a jeweller.
Victa has also worked extensively as a colour and spiritual healer, and a homeopath. He now lives in Glastonbury, often lecturing on Romani life, and conducting handfastings.
Here he talks about some of the Romani customs and beliefs, alongside stories from his own life in England.
We's the last only remaining grasshoppers left in a world of ants
An old English Gypsy Saying
All vocal music by Ted Atkinson from the cassette "Forgotten World" Romani Rai (Trad) "Living On The Edge of Town" (Hoolighan) "Stand Round The Camp Fire" (Hgn) "Motors and Trailers" (Darling) "Life of A Traveller" (Trad).
Ted is one of the few wheelwrights left in the country still working today, building wheels and wagons for customers all over the world. He runs Forgotten World - a wheelwright and Romani Museum near Axbridge in Somerset which hosts an extraordinary collection of wagons and Gypsy artefacts depicting many of the historical traditions. It's well worth the visit.
Ted Atkinson - Forgotten World, Webbington, Loxton, Nr Axbridge, Somerset BS26 2HX 01934 750841.
To join the Gypsy Council: The Gypsy Council European and UK Office, 8 Hall Road, Aveley, Essex RM15 4HD 01708 868986
Producer and Editor - Sue Palmer.
Music - "Donkey Theme" written by Jo King from the CD Maskmusic - Horse and Bamboo Theatre.
Jingle by Bucky
Thanks to Victa, Ted, Jo, Barry and Heather.