RTFHS Society Day and Annual General Meeting

May

11

Time: 10.30am until 4pm
Location: The Corn Exchange, High East Street, Dorchester, Dorset DT1 1HF

The Committee of the RTFHS have pleasure in inviting RTFHS members, their family members
and friends to a day of talks and performances by experts in the social history and family history
of Romany Gypsies, as well as the opportunity to hear about the activities of your Society
at the Annual General Meeting. Please also join us in celebrating the 25th anniversary of
the foundation of the RTFHS.

The day’s programme:

  • What can you discover about your Gypsy ancestors from Quarter Session records?
    Jacqui Halewood from the Dorset History Centre will explain.
  • A Victorian school created especially for Gypsy children: RTFHS Honorary
    Vice President Janet Keet-Black tells the story of an initiative in Farnham, Dorset.
  • Who lived in and travelled through the county of Dorset in times past?
    Author and poet Ray Wills introduces his research on some of the county’s Gypsy Traveller
    families.
  • Plus music and songs about Gypsy life from singer and guitarist Mike Guy.

In addition, there will be the RTFHS bookstall with a wide range of specialist publications • displays
• a raffle • and plenty of chances to chat and share your family history information, photos and family
trees with other RTFHS members.

The timings for the day:

  • Registration from 10.30am to 11.00am
  • Morning presentations: 11.00am to 12.00pm
  • The Society’s AGM will be held at 12.00pm
  • Lunch break: 12.30pm to 1.30pm
  • Afternoon presentations: 1.30pm to 3.55pm
    All timings are approximate and may be subject to change.

How to book your seat

  • Please let us know in advance if you plan to attend the Society Day and AGM by sending
    us this RTFHS 2019 Society Day booking form by post or by emailing us
    first at enquiries@rtfhs.org.uk.
  • Seats are limited and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.
  • Places are free for RTFHS members. There is a charge of £5.00 per person for non-members
    to help us cover the costs of the day. The booking form lists your payment options.
  • All bookings must be made before 30 April 2019.
  • Coffee and tea will be served at break-times during the event at no charge.

Getting to The Corn Exchange in Dorchester

  • By road: there are easy connections to Dorchester by road from throughout the country. You will
    find public car parks close to The Corn Exchange: parking charges apply.
  • By public transport: The Corn Exchange is a short walk from both Dorchester South and Dorchester
    West Stations. There are mainline connections and frequent trains to London Waterloo and Weymouth.