Latest news with #RomanyGypsy
Scottish Sun
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
I'm a proud gay gypsy – I was shunned for breaking traveller ‘rules' but here's why I'll never turn my back on community
LEAVING school young and putting on a huge, no-expense spared extravagant wedding usually go hand in hand in a traveller's life. Except for Jessie Jeff, 33, who has totally bucked the trend and is the exact opposite of what you'd expect of a man born and raised within the Romany Gypsy community. 5 Romany Gypsy Jessie Jeff's life is a far cry from what those around him expected it to be Credit: Supplied 5 Jessie, pictured with his parents and brother, is gay Credit: Supplied He's openly gay, marrying electrician husband Andy Wilson, 30, in 2022, and the couple even adopted four children under the age of ten...
The Sun
3 days ago
- General
- The Sun
I'm a proud gay gypsy – I was shunned for breaking traveller ‘rules' but here's why I'll never turn my back on community
LEAVING school young and putting on a huge, no-expense spared extravagant wedding usually go hand in hand in a traveller's life. Except for Jessie Jeff, 33, who has totally bucked the trend and is the exact opposite of what you'd expect of a man born and raised within the Romany Gypsy community. He's openly gay, marrying electrician husband Andy Wilson, 30, in 2022, and the couple even adopted four children under the age of ten two years ago. Being gay is still deemed unacceptable among some in the traveller community and when Jessie first 'came out' he was estranged from his mum for three months - one relative even refused to share a cup with him in case he 'caught being gay'. Jessie, who lives with his family in a detached four-bedroom house in Bournemouth, says: 'Nobody believes me when I say I'm a traveller. I've turned it all upside down. It hasn't been easy, when I came out as gay, my mother couldn't cope, and we stopped seeing each other for a while. 'In some traveller communities, gay men are still forced into marrying a woman. Thankfully, she's come round now and even lives with us, but it took time. 'I haven't turned my back on the gypsy community. You can't. I always compare it to being born into the Royal Family. It's your heritage." Jessie's life now is a far cry from what those around him expected it to be. Men like him usually follow a set path when it comes to work and relationships. "It was ingrained in me that I'd leave school and start working in a physical job, such as roofing or being a tree surgeon," he says. "Instead, I'm university educated and work as a paramedic. "I should have married young to a woman from the gypsy community. My wife would stay at home, while I provided for her. 'I don't know a single other professional, gay traveller who's adopted children – it's vanishingly rare.' Fighting the truth Jessie's mum lived in the Piddlehinton traveller community near Dorchester in Dorset when he was born and he spent his early years there until she got a house – though he still spent most of his time on the site at his grandfather's caravan. 'I loved it in many ways,' he remembers. 'I was the youngest of three brothers and there were loads of other children, so we always had people to play with – running around, climbing trees, fixing cars and eating our meals by the campfire. 'The site back then was spick and span, there were 12 pitches, and we all knew each other – there was a very community atmosphere. The kids could play out until all hours and I remember the grown-ups sitting outside drinking beer, with my grandfather whittling flowers out of old pieces of wood. 'We learnt life skills early on – I could drive by the age of 12. 'But in other ways it was hard. I was bullied once I left primary school and called 'gypo'. I realised then that I was different, that other families didn't live on caravan sites, and they ate their meals at a table, not round the fire. And I was dismissed by teachers, who thought it was barely worth teaching me as I'd leave and work in manual labour.' And Jessie tried to fight the truth that he was gay. He says: 'In the traveller world it's all about being macho and finding a girlfriend within the community at an early age. It's almost arranged, when I was 12 I was set up with a girl from our community and even then I had to talk to her father before I was allowed to date her. 'When they ended up leaving the site a year later I was so relieved as I didn't want to marry her – though I pretended to be devastated as that was expected of me.' 5 5 Jessie left school at 16 with no qualifications, but he was determined to become a paramedic, after helping to care for his grandfather. He did a public service course at a local college and then did an access course to get into university and complete a paramedic degree. He says: 'It was almost unheard of to go to university – a lot of the community struggle to read or write – let alone get a degree.' It was when he was 21 and met Andy through their hospital work that he finally came out to his family – telling his aunt who told his mum for him. He says: 'It was a really difficult time, I felt rejected by so many people, the public hated gypsies and my own community was homophobic, they saw being gay as a mental illness. 'My mum started talking to me again after three months, but it was two years before she fully accepted Andy. She now lives with us and is so proud. When I graduated she bought a cake the size of a table in the shape of an ambulance!' Jessie has worked his way up as a paramedic, he works for the NHS but also for private companies, both as a flight paramedic – where you supervise ill or injured people flying home from abroad – and at private events, he goes to the Chelsea Flower Show and Wimbledon for his job. 'I still find it amazing that I'd be the one that helped royalty if they got ill at one of those events,' says Jessie. A closer look at gypsy traditions HERE we take a look at some of the traditions many gypsies follow... Family-Centric Living: The family is the cornerstone of Romani life, with extended families often living close to one another. Elders are highly respected and play a crucial role in decision-making and maintaining cultural traditions. Nomadic Heritage: Many Gypsy communities maintain a semi-nomadic lifestyle, moving seasonally to find work or attend cultural gatherings. This tradition is deeply rooted in their history and identity. Distinctive Décor: Romani homes, whether they are caravans or fixed abodes, are often brightly decorated with vibrant colours and intricate patterns. These decorations reflect their rich cultural heritage and love for beauty. Communal Gatherings: Social gatherings are a significant part of Gypsy life. Celebrations, such as weddings and religious festivals, are grand affairs involving music, dance, and feasting, often stretching over several days. Spiritual Practices: Many Gypsy families incorporate a blend of Christian beliefs and traditional spiritual practices. Homes may feature religious icons and amulets believed to offer protection and bring good fortune. Craftsmanship and Artistry: Romani people are renowned for their craftsmanship, particularly in metalwork, woodwork, and textiles. These skills are often passed down through generations and are a source of both pride and livelihood. Hospitality: Hospitality is a valued tradition. Guests are treated with great respect and generosity, often being offered the best food and drink available as a sign of honour and goodwill. Sharing Stories: Storytelling is a vital part of Romani culture, preserving history, morals, and lessons through generations. Elders often share tales that are both entertaining and educational. And he and Andy are settled in their marriage – they got married in a registry office, once more bucking the gypsy trend of having an enormous wedding with hundreds of guests – and then had a further celebration in Cyprus in September 2022 with only 60 guests. Andy says: 'I've been to big weddings and funerals. My grandfather's funeral was huge, there were three or four lorry loads of flowers, including a huge flower arrangement of his dog and the gates to heaven. "His coffin went in a horse and cart around the whole of Dorchester and hundreds of people came. It was wonderful but not the sort of occasion we wanted for our wedding.' The icing on the cake of his new life was adopting his four children after a lengthy process. 5 Jessie explains: 'We were desperate for a family and started the process when I was 29. It's a lengthy process and very intrusive but it was worth it. 'I adore my children and despite struggling with some aspects of the traveller life, I'm keen that they know all about their heritage. Traveller communities have a terrible reputation; people accuse them of all sorts from theft to fly tipping. 'But in my experience genuine traditional travellers have good family values and an amazing sense of community. "I've bought a caravan and we go on trips every holiday and half term and I'll be taking them to the Appleby Fair – the highlight of the gypsy social calendar, where thousands of gypsies converge to trade horses and socialise. 'I'm a proud gypsy boy with a difference.'
Daily Mail
26-05-2025
- Daily Mail
Families win fight to stop travellers building a pitch on a Welsh beauty spot after over 300 objections fly in
Locals have won a planning battle to stop travellers from building a pitch on a Welsh beauty spot. Proposals for a static caravan, one touring caravan as well as utility and ecological enhancements at Froghall Yard, Moreton Lane, in Saundersfoot, Pembrokeshire, had sparked anger among the village's 2,500 population. Furious residents hit back at plans, with more than 300 people signing a petition against the application. Now Pembrokeshire Coast National Park development management committee has thrown out the plans. The application was lodged by Dai Evans of Pontypool, who 'belongs to a long-standing Romany Gypsy family', with generations of his family having lived 'a traditional and cultural lifestyle living in caravans all their lives'. The documents put forward by Hayston Developments & Planning Ltd argue that Mr Evans and his partner currently live on 'an overcrowded Traveller site in Pontypool', in 'poor' and living conditions. Saundersfoot Community Council opposed the plans saying the land had not been used by caravans or other use for more than 30 years. Another opponent said allowing the site 'would be gross overdevelopment setting a precedent for development literally anywhere throughout the national park'. The community council said: 'The applicant lives in Pontypool and claims no connection to the area. There is no rationale as to why the applicant chose a site approximately 100 miles away from their home.' Agent Andrew Vaughan-Harries said the plans may be resubmitted. Saundersfoot Community Council have argued against the traveller site application, with 50 attending locals at the meeting unanimously voting against the plans. In Saundersfoot Community Council's objection, it queried why the applicant, who lives around 100 miles away in Pontypool and has no links to the area, picked the site. The village council also noted that the location has been used as farming land for the last three decades and not for other purposes such as caravans. Concerns were also raised that the plans could impact the views of nearby Incline Way, as well as set a standard for development at any locations across the national park. It comes after Senedd members launched a report into the conditions Gypsy and Romany communities were living in Wales. Several worries were noted about the conditions the communities were living in, as well as a lack of awareness about how to change matters. Many of those who contributed to the report, highlighted worries about the price of rent and utilities.
23-05-2025
Historic first as woman and layperson elected to lead major Welsh Christian denomination
A PROPOSED new 'traveller site' on the outskirts of a Pembrokeshire village, which has seen a petition of nearly 300 objections, has been refused by national park planners. The Authority has served an Enforcement Notice on the site, which requires its return to its previous condition. The scheme for the creation of one traveller site incorporating one static caravan, one touring caravan, day/utility room and ecological enhancements (partly retrospective) on land at Froghall Yard, Moreton Lane, Saundersfoot, was recommended for refusal at the May 21 meeting of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park's development management committee, having previously been deferred for a site visit by members. Nearly 300 people have signed a petition against the scheme and the objection to the site is also being shared by the village's community council. Around 50 people attended a recent meeting of the community council when members voted unanimously to object to the application by Dai Evans of Pontypool, through agents Hayston Developments & Planning Ltd. Saundersfoot Community Council has pointed out that the site is agricultural land, with no caravan or other use in over 30 years. There was also concern that the site – where two previous planning applications had been rejected – is overlooked from Incline Way above and cannot be screened. Members have said granting permission 'would be gross overdevelopment setting a precedent for development literally anywhere throughout the national park'. The community council's objection finished: 'The applicant lives in Pontypool and claims no connection to the area. There is no rationale as to why the applicant chose a site approximately 100 miles away from their home.' A supporting statement accompanying the application stated: 'The applicant belongs to a long-standing Romany Gypsy family and generations have lived a traditional and cultural lifestyle living in caravans all their lives. 'Mr Evans and his partner currently reside on an overcrowded Traveller site in Pontypool where living conditions are poor. They currently only live in rented accommodation and its brick and mortar and not in keeping with their cultural preference, as they prefer to live in a caravan.' It says Mr Evans and family have stayed in a touring caravan at the site during the summer months since the late 1980s when it was owned by another gypsy family, later purchased by Mr Evans in 2023, clearing and refurbishing the site. 'The application's aspirations are to continue his Gypsy culture and traditions residing in a caravan on site.' A park officer report recommending refusal says the applicant has accommodation and is not currently homeless, giving only moderate weight 'to the existing level of outstanding unmet need for Gypsy Traveller accommodation in Pembrokeshire,' adding: 'That level of need should be weighed against the likely impact of development on the National Park landscape and habitat in this area.' It says there has been 'significant site clearance undertaken prior to the submission of the application, and the impact on the landscape, biodiversity and ecosystem resilience has been assessed as negative,' with officers considering further caravan development 'would exceed landscape capacity'. Speaking at the meeting on behalf of local residents, Helen Williams questioned the need for the applicant to have a site in Saundersfoot when he lived in Pontypool, adding that residents did not recall any caravans on-site since 1993. Agent Andrew Vaughan-Harries said he had hoped the application, with a recently revised landscape plans offering additional landscape mitigation, could have been deferred. He said any refusal would give his client the option of either appealing or 'having a free go' for any amended future application. Mr Vaughan-Harries said that while Pembrokeshire was better than many authorities in the provision of traveller sites there was a need to deliver more. 'It's premature to make an application today but I still think this site has some merit. The applicant wants to go back to his traveller roots.' Saundersfoot councillor Chis Williams moved members support the officer recommendation of refusal, adding he supported Mr Vaughan-Harries call for more provision for traveller sites but stressed: 'however, I do not think this is the correct location.' Members backed the recommendation of refusal by 13 votes to two abstentions. Responding to the refusal after the meeting, Mr Vaughan-Harries said: 'To deliver Traveller sites is always a planning challenge but as discussed the essential need more sites is clearly there for the whole of Wales and Pembs. The opportunity of private sites also eases the burden on LPA's to fund traveller sites 'We respect that site is in PCNP, but there is a policy to still allow Traveller sites in their area subtext to criteria being met. 'The full impact on the ecology and visual impact was not completed by ourselves and applicant due to availability of suitable local surveyors and conflicts of interest. So it's likely we will resubmit to improve on the scheme and see if all ecology impacts can be mitigated even if it has to be off-site. This site has remnants of previous use and not a virgin greenfield site. 'I still feel the site can deliver a single traveller poach with up the date assessment and redesigning.'
23-05-2025
Have your say – Help shape Haverfordwest Castle!
A PROPOSED new 'traveller site' on the outskirts of a Pembrokeshire village, which has seen a petition of nearly 300 objections, has been refused by national park planners. The Authority has served an Enforcement Notice on the site, which requires its return to its previous condition. The scheme for the creation of one traveller site incorporating one static caravan, one touring caravan, day/utility room and ecological enhancements (partly retrospective) on land at Froghall Yard, Moreton Lane, Saundersfoot, was recommended for refusal at the May 21 meeting of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park's development management committee, having previously been deferred for a site visit by members. Nearly 300 people have signed a petition against the scheme and the objection to the site is also being shared by the village's community council. Around 50 people attended a recent meeting of the community council when members voted unanimously to object to the application by Dai Evans of Pontypool, through agents Hayston Developments & Planning Ltd. Saundersfoot Community Council has pointed out that the site is agricultural land, with no caravan or other use in over 30 years. There was also concern that the site – where two previous planning applications had been rejected – is overlooked from Incline Way above and cannot be screened. Members have said granting permission 'would be gross overdevelopment setting a precedent for development literally anywhere throughout the national park'. The community council's objection finished: 'The applicant lives in Pontypool and claims no connection to the area. There is no rationale as to why the applicant chose a site approximately 100 miles away from their home.' A supporting statement accompanying the application stated: 'The applicant belongs to a long-standing Romany Gypsy family and generations have lived a traditional and cultural lifestyle living in caravans all their lives. 'Mr Evans and his partner currently reside on an overcrowded Traveller site in Pontypool where living conditions are poor. They currently only live in rented accommodation and its brick and mortar and not in keeping with their cultural preference, as they prefer to live in a caravan.' It says Mr Evans and family have stayed in a touring caravan at the site during the summer months since the late 1980s when it was owned by another gypsy family, later purchased by Mr Evans in 2023, clearing and refurbishing the site. 'The application's aspirations are to continue his Gypsy culture and traditions residing in a caravan on site.' A park officer report recommending refusal says the applicant has accommodation and is not currently homeless, giving only moderate weight 'to the existing level of outstanding unmet need for Gypsy Traveller accommodation in Pembrokeshire,' adding: 'That level of need should be weighed against the likely impact of development on the National Park landscape and habitat in this area.' It says there has been 'significant site clearance undertaken prior to the submission of the application, and the impact on the landscape, biodiversity and ecosystem resilience has been assessed as negative,' with officers considering further caravan development 'would exceed landscape capacity'. Speaking at the meeting on behalf of local residents, Helen Williams questioned the need for the applicant to have a site in Saundersfoot when he lived in Pontypool, adding that residents did not recall any caravans on-site since 1993. Agent Andrew Vaughan-Harries said he had hoped the application, with a recently revised landscape plans offering additional landscape mitigation, could have been deferred. He said any refusal would give his client the option of either appealing or 'having a free go' for any amended future application. Mr Vaughan-Harries said that while Pembrokeshire was better than many authorities in the provision of traveller sites there was a need to deliver more. 'It's premature to make an application today but I still think this site has some merit. The applicant wants to go back to his traveller roots.' Saundersfoot councillor Chis Williams moved members support the officer recommendation of refusal, adding he supported Mr Vaughan-Harries call for more provision for traveller sites but stressed: 'however, I do not think this is the correct location.' Members backed the recommendation of refusal by 13 votes to two abstentions. Responding to the refusal after the meeting, Mr Vaughan-Harries said: 'To deliver Traveller sites is always a planning challenge but as discussed the essential need more sites is clearly there for the whole of Wales and Pembs. The opportunity of private sites also eases the burden on LPA's to fund traveller sites 'We respect that site is in PCNP, but there is a policy to still allow Traveller sites in their area subtext to criteria being met. 'The full impact on the ecology and visual impact was not completed by ourselves and applicant due to availability of suitable local surveyors and conflicts of interest. So it's likely we will resubmit to improve on the scheme and see if all ecology impacts can be mitigated even if it has to be off-site. This site has remnants of previous use and not a virgin greenfield site. 'I still feel the site can deliver a single traveller poach with up the date assessment and redesigning.'
