Latest news with #Travellers
The Guardian
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
‘I was struck by this little boy': inside Travellers' horse fairs
Frederik Rüegger spent more than two years visiting Great Britain and Ireland for his first publication about Roma or Travellers' horse fairs. Frederik Rüegger: I Am a Stranger in This Country is published by Kehrer Verlag Rüegger's title, l Am a Stranger in This Country, reflects his status as a visitor and also that of the Travellers as outsiders in British and Irish society Rüegger travelled to the few places and events where the Traveller community can still keep their traditions and customs alive Frederik Rüegger: 'This photo was taken at the Appleby horse fair. It's one of my favourites in the book because there's so much to discover. A good photo, to me, isn't easy to understand – it's like a riddle that might never be fully solved. It leaves space for speculation and imagination. I love that three generations are present in this single frame. The image feels almost from another time – certain elements, like the stroller, appear antique. I find that romantic, especially in contrast to how quickly everything else is evolving in our world today. Maybe that's why I still shoot on film' The book is a striking visual testimony to a community's resilience and a way of life under threat 'To me, photographing is 99% waiting and anticipating. But when all the stars finally align, beautiful things can happen. This photo, for me, brings together elements of fashion and documentary photography – two worlds I actively work in. I'm drawn to the effortless spontaneity of a snapshot, especially when it meets the elegance and extravagance of fashion' 'When I shoot I like to be invisible most of the time. I want the moment to be the most natural. My aim is to provide an intimate and authentic portrayal of Traveller communities and to capture moments that reveal both the beauty of their culture and the challenges they face' The community has been subject of discrimination and social marginalisation for a long time. Lately, Brexit has worsened their societal standing and led to a general increase in prejudice against anything perceived as 'different' 'When I came across this boy, I was struck by the power of the moment. The casual way he held his gun and walked his dog made him seem like an adult already. But as I began photographing, I started to sense the vulnerability and shyness beneath the surface. To me, photography is largely about understanding and learning from one another – a constant pull and push, like yin and yang. It's about empathy, not just about pulling the trigger' In an essay in the book, Gerry Badger writes: 'The general ambience at horse fairs is a magnet for the photographer of a street photography persuasion. Rüegger's vibrant, complex images capture all the excitement and social interaction in the country towns where Travellers traditionally meet – to display and trade horses but also to engage in a wide range of cultural activities, including selling other goods and making music together' In recent years, the spread of misinformation and hate against the communities on social media has grown significantly The political situation has intensified as well: some local authorities have prevented Travellers from continuing to use common land they have traditionally inhabited. The current political climate thus poses a serious threat to the freedom of this community Frederik Rüegger: 'My work centres around the profound and intricate tapestry of human culture. Each photograph I take is a fragment of a larger reality, one that seeks to capture and convey the essence of communities, traditions and the subtle interplay of history and modernity' Badger: 'Rüegger describes himself as a documentary photographer. His approach can be as informal as the events he attends. He mirrors their somewhat chaotic nature with photographs that frequently utilise frame edges to create (if this is not a contradiction in terms) a formal informality that recreates the visual flux in front of him'
Time of India
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
Rs 1 lakh to Rs 20 lakh in 5 years! Force Motors shares deliver jackpot returns with zero analyst coverage
Live Events 3 Pillars of Force Motors' Success Premium OEM Partnerships Future Growth Drivers Is Force Motors Stock Too Expensive? Key Risks to Monitor Long-Term Structural Story (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our ETMarkets WhatsApp channel A little-known smallcap stock with no analyst coverage, barely 1% mutual fund holding, and next to no investor outreach has silently turned into a 20-bagger. Shares of Pune-based Force Motors , best known for its sturdy Travellers , rugged Gurkhas, and engine assembly lines for BMW and Mercedes-Benz , have surged a mind-bending 1,868% over five years, transforming a ₹1 lakh investment into a near-₹20 lakh company's exit from low-margin tractors and strategic thrust on original equipment manufacturing ( OEM ) for luxury marques like BMW and Mercedes-Benz mark a decisive pivot toward higher-quality earnings. In just the past year, the stock is up 117%, fueled by rising demand in shared mobility and last-mile delivery Global's Aakanksha Chopra points out that the stock's re-rating has been backed by a sharp operational turnaround, strategic realignment of its business model, and disciplined capital transformation is evident in the numbers. From FY22 to FY25, revenue surged from ₹3,240 crore to ₹8,072 crore, representing nearly 2.5x growth. "Net profit swung from losses to over ₹800 crore, driven by operating leverage, a premium product mix, and strong execution," Chopra noted. "EBITDA margins expanded to 14%, and ROCE improved to approximately 25%, highlighting a high-quality earnings profile."The momentum shows no signs of abating. In Q1 FY26 alone, Force Motors reported a 22% year-on-year rise in consolidated revenue to ₹2,297 crore, according to Kalp Jain, Research Analyst at INVasset PMS. "Operating performance was even stronger — EBITDA jumped 33% to ₹332 crore, pushing margins to 14.4%. Net profit surged 52% YoY to ₹176 crore."Sunny Agrawal, Head - Fundamental Research at SBI Securities , highlights the operational drivers: "26% volume growth in the UV segment in 1QFY26 for Force Motors. Sales/EBITDA/PAT up by 22%/32%/52% YoY to Rs 2297/323/176 cr."The strong performance stems from "strong response to the Urbania utility vehicle which has emerged as a leading choice for employee transportation and short haul tourist travel along with the Traveller," Agrawal Jonagadla, smallcase Manager and Founder of Quantace Research, identifies three key drivers behind Force Motors' 20-bagger run: "A structural step-up in profitability — Q1 FY26 net profit leapt 52% YoY to ₹176 cr on a 14.4% EBITDA margin, the fourth straight quarter above 14%."The second pillar is order visibility. "A 2,978-unit Gurkha contract for the Indian defence forces secures c. ₹1,000 cr revenue over FY26-27," Jonagadla noted. Agrawal confirms: "Company won an order from Defence Ministry for supplying 2,978 Gurkha vehicles in Mar'25."The third pillar involves "sticky, high-margin engine outsourcing for Mercedes-Benz and BMW, underscored by the 100,000-th BMW powertrain rolled out in June 2025," according to company's transformation from a traditional commercial vehicle player to a sophisticated OEM partner has been remarkable. "The company's premium engine assembly partnership with BMW and Mercedes-Benz has scaled meaningfully and now contributes a significant share of revenue with higher realizations," Chopra elaborates on this strategic shift: "Once seen as a modest player in the light commercial vehicle segment, Force Motors has reinvented itself. It now operates across multi-utility vans, niche off-roaders like the Gurkha, and most critically, supplies engines and axles to marquee global OEMs such as Mercedes-Benz and BMW through dedicated manufacturing facilities."In FY25, Force Motors clocked ₹8,128 crore in revenue and ₹800 crore in net profit, doubling its bottom line from the previous year. Its return on equity (RoE) stood at 25.6%, while return on capital employed (RoCE) hovered around 25%, both signaling a capital-efficient business built for longevity, analysts balance sheet strength is equally impressive. "A leaner balance sheet with a debt-to-equity ratio under 0.3x now provides ample headroom for growth investments," Chopra noted. Jain adds: "The company is net debt-free, with a strong liquidity position and prudent working capital management."Looking ahead, the company is positioning itself for emerging opportunities. "Force Motors has begun investing in next-generation EV platforms in the LCV segment, offering strategic optionality in a decarbonizing auto landscape," Chopra sees additional upside potential: "Upside may come from scaling Urbania exports, electrified last-mile vans and the Rolls-Royce JV genset opportunity—segments where consensus models still embed conservative volumes."However, the spectacular run has pushed valuations to demanding levels. "The stock trades at 31.0x FY26E P/E, which appears to be fair valued and one round rerating is completed," cautioned Agrawal from SBI echoes the valuation concern: "At ~29 × trailing earnings, the market is pricing uninterrupted double-digit margins and 25%+ ROCE continuity."Jain takes a measured view: "The company currently trades at a P/E of ~26x trailing earnings — a valuation that assumes continued momentum. Sustaining margins amid rising input costs, managing export volatility, and ensuring consistent order flow from OEMs will be critical in validating this premium."Despite the impressive trajectory, analysts identify several risks. Jonagadla warns of "lumpy defence delivery and cost overruns; OEM partners potentially in-housing engines as they electrify; fragile exports—shipments fell 78% YoY in March–April 2025 even as domestic CV sales rose; and cash-flow drag from the ambitious EV capex."Agrawal points to information constraints: "As much information is not available (due to lack of any investor deck, mgmt interaction, concall etc), going forward, the street will keenly track monthly sales volume to understand the growth trajectory of the company."Despite near-term risks, analysts remain constructive on the long-term outlook. "While the stock's sharp re-rating now embeds elevated expectations, long-term earnings visibility remains intact," Chopra said. "Consensus estimates indicate an EPS CAGR of 25 to 30 percent over FY24 to FY27."Jain concludes: "Force Motors exemplifies what a silent compounder looks like before it captures the limelight. The company has quietly stitched together a compelling narrative — one of operational transformation, financial discipline, and market trust. For long-term investors, this is no longer a forgotten name from the commercial vehicle sector — it's a blueprint for India's next-generation manufacturing success."As Force Motors continues its remarkable journey from an overlooked smallcap to a multi-bagger phenomenon, the key question remains whether the company can sustain its operational excellence while justifying the premium valuations that its success story has commanded.: Recommendations, suggestions, views, and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of Economic Times)
CTV News
7 days ago
- CTV News
WestJet cancelling flights from Ottawa to Winnipeg, Fort Myers this winter
Travellers wait in line at the Ottawa International Airport in Ottawa on Thursday, July 3, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick
Irish Times
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Times
Why the Moon Travels review: Eye-opening show is not just a retelling of Traveller folktales
Why the Moon Travels Bank of Ireland Theatre, University of Galway ★★★★☆ Travellers are part of the world, and the world is part of Travellers. The phrase figures in this new show from Moonfish Theatre, which aims to open up the Traveller world, but also help preserve some aspects. Devised from the book of folktales Why the Moon Travels, by Traveller activist and writer Oein DeBhairduin (who is dramaturge here), along with the ensemble and directors Máiréad Ní Chróinín and Ionia Ní Chróinín of Moonfish, it opens the curtains a bit. On stage are three strong, articulate and warm Traveller women, Catrina Connors, Ellen Doyle and Sarah McDonagh. The set includes a yew tree, the moon, a screen shaped like the back of a barrel-wagon, edged with Traveller symbols, and on the floor a giant wheel shape. This isn't just a retelling of folktales from the 2021 book, which is, rather, a starting point, with the cast adding their own takes and experiences. READ MORE The stories are largely unfamiliar to settled people: about the old man whose beard grew and grew (eventually becoming the bog across Ireland), the origin of the yew tree, the three sisters and their kindness to a crow, the truth about why the moon travels. In the stories there's a thread connecting humans and the natural world, with elements of the supernatural thrown in. As one of the cast tells a story, the others bring it to life with shadow puppetry on the screens behind, alongside songs from Rosie McCarthy. They also show something of themselves, and of Traveller hospitality and traditions, sitting for chats and stories with a cup of weed (tea, in case you're wondering), baking soda bread onstage (very tasty), spinning and weaving (we take home a traditional Traveller red and white cord, to tie around the wrist), along with the odd bit of the Traveller language Cant, fleetingly understandable to the outsider. The three performers have an ease and naturalness and there is a bit of gentle slagging and off-the-cuff that's lovely to witness. That level of comfort takes work and time and guts to develop, along with the professional skills and experience of Moonfish. It's backed by support from University of Galway's O'Donoghue Centre for Drama, Theatre and Performance, the Arts Council , Galway City Council and a bursary from Galway International Arts Festival and Galway Culture Company. The care and attention to detail and approach shows in the finished result. For the audience, there are hints of things we want to hear more about, too: the women's own lives, and a passing reference to why many Travellers no longer travel, on foot of bad experiences. We're a small society but outsiders know little about the traditional culture of Travellers, who often get a bad rap. This is a lovely show, eye-opening and rich in the sharing with settled people, but also important for Travellers themselves, retelling the stories for fear of losing them. They ask, what do we lose when the old stories disappear, and what do we gain when they are told again? Significant too, that this show takes stories from an oral tradition, which were then committed to the page by DeBhairduin, and are here returned to a version of the oral tradition.
Yahoo
21-07-2025
- Yahoo
Travellers arrive at Birmingham park in 'greater numbers than ever before'
Travellers have arrived at a popular Birmingham park in 'greater numbers than every before.' A large group of caravans and other vehicles drove onto Swanshurst Park, on the border of Moseley and Billesley, on Sunday evening, July 20. It was said to be the fifth incursion this year and the council's Interim Head of Parks told a Moseley ward meeting the authority was looking to install extra barriers. READ MORE: Crowds at Birmingham New Street as trains north and south cancelled and delayed READ MORE: Birmingham city centre crackdown explained - affected streets and banned activities READ MORE: New security measures on the way for Birmingham park after Travellers set up camp multiple times It was said that travellers gained access this time by moving a large log and driving in past bike racks. The Friends of Swanshurst Park, a volunteer-run group, posted on Facebook on Sunday evening: "I'm sorry to say what some of you may already know - there are travellers on Swanshurst in greater numbers than ever before. Get breaking news on BirminghamLive WhatsApp, click the link to join "This was not because the council measures were inadequate. The new security measures are intact but they moved one of the large logs by the car park and drove in past the bike rack. "The eviction notice will be served tomorrow. It would really help if members of the public did not employ them. "Then they would not have an incentive to come here." The council said previously: "birmingham-city-council>Birmingham City Council is committed to actively protecting its land and will take steps to recover this land where unauthorised encampments encroach upon it.'The council has useable transit sites and plots for use by the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller community – which is in line with Government policy – and details of the Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessment carried out and updated in 2019 can be found on our website."
