We’ve joined forces with the team at the Museum of English Rural Life (MERL) in Reading, Berkshire to offer a free event for RTFHS members and members of the public. Everyone is welcome.
What’s in the programme? It’s on from 11am until 4pm
- Traditional music and dance. Please bring along your stepping shoes!
- Poetry readings from Jo Clements
- A blacksmithing demo from Romany Jake Bowers
- Talks and films
- Displays
- RTFHS Family History Helpdesk
- Specialist books for sale
- The chance to meet other RTFHS members. You might find new ‘cousins’!
- See inside a traditional bow-top vardo and a bender tent
- Explore the Museum’s galleries featuring country people, country life and crafts
- Visit the MERL Library in the morning. It’s the home of the Robert Dawson Romany Collection, donated to MERL by the Honorary President of the RTFHS Bob Dawson
- Bring your children and/or grandchildren for family fun
- Come with a picnic and enjoy the garden
- Or grab a coffee and cake in the café
It’s a live event so please remember: things could change on the day. Thank you for your understanding.
How to get to the Museum
- Go to the Museum’s website for a map and full directions
- There’s free parking on site
- Buses from Reading mainline station and other parts of Reading stop nearby
- 20 minutes’ walk from Reading station. There’s a big taxi rank there too
And if you have Romany Gypsy, Traveller, Fairground or Circus ancestors, why not come along with your family trees and photos and any questions that you have about tracing your people? The RTFHS team will be pleased to help.
See you there!
