A Welcome Waits at the South East Romany Museum

Situated in Howlands Lane, Marden in the heart of the Kent countryside, the working museum is in the early stages of development. The plan of the museum is to exhibit Romany culture and life.

It is very much a living museum as the site is the home of the Brazil family. Already the museum has had several official visits from schools, individuals and libraries and this is viewed as an important feature in bringing the culture to the community. The venture is being developed with the co-operation of the local authorities.

Visitors can expect to see several traditional wagons including those of Reading, Burton and Barrel types, two of which require restoration and pre-date the first world war. Also on display is an assortment of carts and trolleys and large-scale models of Reading and Ledge wagons.

The preservation work, building and painting of wagons is undertaken by the Brazil family in an open workshop that houses artifacts for wagons, craft tools and items of Romany and Traveller interest.

Future plans include the building of a conference room, wagon shelter, tea room, picnic area and visitor facilities.

At present visits are arranged by appointment only and there is no admission fee but donations are gratefully received. The museum has applied for charitable trust status

Anyone interested in visiting or becoming involved with the trust should contact 01622 831681 http://www.medwaytownsrc.co.uk/SERM%20Home.htm

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Romany Life: Heart of Kent Centre for Culture and Education

- Learn about Gypsy History and Romany Ways
- Superb collection of wagons, carts and trailers
- Exhibition of Romany artefacts
- Demonstrations of Gypsy Crafts.
- Enjoy Romany food at the Cafe.
- Nursery adjacent to browse for plants
- Ample Parking

Open Tuesday to Sunday 9.30 - 4.00pm
Entrance: £2.50 adults. £1 Children
Group rates by arrangement

Henry and Paula will show you around and answer your questions. They pride themselves in the personal touch.

Romany Life
3 Oaks Nursery
Whitewell Lane
Cranbrook
TN17 2PP
Tel: 01580 715825

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Gordon Boswell's Romany Museum, Spalding ­

*Unique collection of superb traditional Romany horse-drawn Vardos (caravans), carts and harness etc. (all horse-drawn)

*Large and comfortable lecture room for slide-show and talk on the Romany Way of Life

*On display, the largest collection of Romany photographs and sketches covering the last 150 years

*A fortune-telling tent and a collection of cooking utensils used on the open fire

*Experience a Romany day out in a horse-drawn Romany Vardo and enjoy a meal cooked over a traditional Romany stick fire in the beautiful Lincolnshire countryside

*Or enjoy a carriage drive for an hour or two, stepping back into a slower way of life

PLEASE RING +44 (0)1775-710599 For an appointment or for more information
http://www.boswell-romany-museum.com

Romany Museum
Clay Lake,
Spalding,
Lincs
PE12 6BL
Tel: 01775 710599

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