Latest news with #Gypsy
Yahoo
21 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Gypsy Rose Blanchard Exposes Nicholas Godejohn With Leaked Emails
is now a free woman, and she is speaking out without any shame. In a heartfelt Instagram post shared just one day after her parole was lifted, Gypsy reflected on the weight of her past and the role she played in her mother's murder. Acknowledging the gravity of her choices, she opened up about her journey toward accountability and healing. Gypsy Rose Blanchard was released from prison on December 28, 2024, after serving eight years of a 10-year sentence for her involvement in the crime. But, not only did Gypsy Rose address her past, but she mentioned , her ex-boyfriend who helped murder her mother. Nicholas and Gypsy first connected in 2012 through a Christian dating site. At the time, Gypsy was living under her mother Dee Dee's strict and controlling care, isolated from the outside world and desperate for meaningful connection. What began as an innocent online relationship quickly escalated into something intense and deeply unconventional. The two exchanged explicit messages and delved into dark sexual fantasies. Gypsy would later testify that Nicholas claimed to have multiple personalities, including one that was violent and dominant. As their connection deepened, Gypsy began confiding in Nicholas about the emotional and physical abuse she endured at the hands of her mother. Feeling trapped and with nowhere else to turn, she leaned on Nicholas for support, eventually confiding her desire to escape. It was within this turbulent and emotionally charged relationship that the two began plotting Dee Dee's murder. In the Instagram message, not only did Gypsy call her ex "deeply disturbed," but she leaked emails between Godejohn and an alleged pen pal girlfriend that he spoke to while behind bars. "Nicholas P. Godejohn has a disturbing pattern targeting vulnerable women with past trauma and pulling them into his twisted fantasy world," Gypsy wrote. "He presents himself as a dominant figure seeking control and obedience, manipulating these women under the guise of love and loyalty. These messages are between Nicholas and a woman named Dawn, his prison pen pal turned girlfriend." Gypsy alleges that Dawn was "the first in a string of woman he tried to trap in the same toxic cycle," and now instead of using "Victor" as his dark dual personality, he now goes by the altar persona as "Nickoli" as he "commands a level of fear in the eyes of his lovers." According to the ex-con, Dawn "found the strength to walk away to save herself before she lost her identity," like Gypsy "once did." "This isn't new behavior. It existed before me, and it continued after me," Gypsy claimed. "He is a man on a relentless search for his perfect "submissive someone" to carry out his darkest desires, even from behind bars, but the truth is more and more women are seeing through the mask and choosing to escape. They're not his victims, they're survivors." Gypsy then said that with Dawn's permission, she can share prison messages to "give further insight into understanding the disturbing cycle of Nicholas's toxic relationships" and to "bring awareness to domestic violence situations as this one is all too familiar." One email from Nicholas to Dawn reads, in part: "I already regret you meeting Nickoli because you had to meet him when he directed the rage towards you of all people, and I was trying to avoid that, and you just kept pushing me higher into anger, then I had to snap, which brought him out ... I'm not smiling or frowning right now because I'm having trouble understanding why you like to argue so much all I can say is for a woman who says she loves me so much you wish to argue too much. That's a turn off for me. ... I was able to suppress Nickoli back in me, but it wasn't easy. This sucks." Another email reads, in part: "Do you really wanna go another round with me last time you p-ssed me off you thought I left even though we knew I wouldn't but it seems like it's the only way I can get through to you is when I snap and I hate yelling so if you wanna p-ss off this Inmate Master so be it! You f-cking wanted to meet Nickoli that was a f-cking mistake because now he is f-cking out, you stupid f-cking b-tch. I have come out to make it clear f-cking clear that I'm not f-cking going anywhere. Neither is the f-cking violent side of Nick or anyone else who is within Nick so f-cking either get it in your f-cking head that we aren't going anywhere, or so help you from God if I get my hands on you." A third email from Nicholas to Dawn reads: "I know you still have to meet the rest of my personalities, but I still fear one of them being disrespectful to you in a sexual sense. I guess I'll hope you can handle Taurean if he is ever to surface. He's a sexual force to look out for. If you don't, I fear what he'll do to you, especially in a nonconsensual sense. I fear he'll either overwhelm you or he'll terrorize you sexually. ... You'll feel like his victim the entire time. Until then, I've tried to suppress him in the past. He's too strong for me." Nicholas has yet to comment on the newly release emails, but in the past, he has commented on his relationship with Gypsy. 'I was basically a good description of a recluse. I kept to myself. The reason I kept to myself is because I didn't really have the social skills,' Godejohn said on "Killer Couples." According to a 2016 report by KY3, Nicholas has been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. Per the psychologist who spoke with KY3, after conducting two mental evaluations on Nicholas, he concluded that he is on the autism spectrum, has an IQ of 82, and functions at a level comparable to that of a 10-year-old.
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
'I'm a real Gypsy, life isn't about fights, it's about love, toilets and bleach'
A Romani Gypsy family have slammed 'nonsense' TV shows like My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding for perpetuating myths about their culture - as they reveal what their daily life really looks like A family of Romani Gypsies have lifted the lid on their culture and 'proud' traditions - busting myths peddled by TV shows which they say get it all wrong. The big brood - complete with 15 adults, 14 kids and a whole host of animals - have established a permanent residence at a disused Wigmore Coach Park off the M2 in Kent. They say misconceptions caused by shows like My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding, often paint them in an unfavourable light. The elder of the family, Oldy Herring, 67, and his wife Tina insist that 'nonsense' traditions like 'grabbing' at Gypsy weddings are fabricated and straight-up offensive. "We don't believe in that; that's just something the young boys started doing," Oldy said. "If you tried to grab a Gypsy girl at a wedding, you would get a punch: that's disrespecting that woman." Unlike the inaccurate stereotypes you'll see on TV, the couple explained that Romani Gypsy culture revolves around family, religion, respect for elders, storytelling, animals, cleanliness, charity and community. "That Big Gypsy Weddings show… It's a load of nonsense. That brought on the misconceptions - it's all put on," Oldy insisted. The family recently won the right to permanently stay at the former park and ride after winning a landmark case against Medway Council - which spent as much as £100,000 in taxpayer money fighting it. But they believe the only reason people don't want to live alongside them is that they know so little about them and their culture. Sadly, due to reports of 'Gypsies' causing trouble across the country, they say they're often 'tarred with the same brush'. "I have kept my family together all of my life," Oldy, who has 18 great-grandchildren and around the same number of grandchildren, said, adding: "There's a birthday every week! "People look down on us like we have just come from Mars. We are rough and ready, but any one of you can have bread and cheese with us - we are human." Despite settling at the Kent site, Oldy - who says he has never been to school in his life - explains that the family will continue their Romani Gypsy traditions that have stayed strong for centuries. He revealed that marriages and funerals are the big calendar occasions, as well as Christmas. The jumping of the broomstick, where newly married couples go hand-in-hand over a brush, is a wedding tradition that lives on. And despite mostly sticking to their own community, there's no rules against marrying outsiders. "We try to marry in the Roma community, but you don't have to," Oldy said. "Once [outsiders] are in, they often don't want to leave. Once you are married, you are married for life. And the girls go and live with their husbands and their families." "Girls have got to be kept pure until they are married," Oldy's wife, Tina, added. "Everyone travels to be together for weddings and funerals. Everyone will come from miles around.' Keeping a sparkling clean home is also essential to their way of life, and Tina says it helps to stop the spread of diseases in their community. "We like a bottle of bleach and always have done," she added "A lot of people only use bleach in their toilets, but we use it everywhere. We've got funny beliefs and strict rules." Another of these strict principles, Tina explained, is that toilets and showers inside their caravans are never used, saying: "Never in a million years do you use the toilet or shower in your caravan. It's too close to your sink." Instead they use publicly available shower blocks and toilets, or facilities in gyms and pubs. Oldy adds that he would pray their next site would be clean when he was a young lad, as it was always his responsibility to clear it. "And people have the cheek to say, 'Dirty, stinking gypsies'," he said. Tina also revealed a lesser-known tradition after the passing of loved ones in the Romani Gypsy community, saying: "When you die, if there's no one to live in your caravan, the caravan gets burned." Food, as in most cultures, also plays a major part in bringing together the family for evening meals. Traditional dishes, like meat puddings and rice puddings, are cooked in centuries-old cast-iron pots that have cooked thousands of meals over the years. Tina explained that the pots - always heated over dead wood, which 'doesn't smoke' - lock the taste and smell of the food cooked in them. "Meat's a big part of our diet," Tina said. "I have never met a vegetarian Gypsy in my life." Despite Gypsy communities having a reputation for violence and bare-knuckle boxing, Oldy claims that the majority of the time, rows are settled with words rather than fists. Their Christian beliefs play a huge part in how they live day to day. This is the first time the family have been given permission to stay permanently at a site, meaning their children can continue studying at local schools. "All we want is somewhere to stop," Oldy said. "We keep it clean and tidy and nobody has complained about us. "We went to the courts and won our case. We are a quiet family and we are willing to pay our way. We pay to stay here, for the bins and the toilets. Our children love the school here. "I have never been to school in my life. It's not because we're stupid, it's because we've not had a place to call home. The kids ask with their homework, 'Is this right?' and I say, 'You tell me!'" Oldy explained the kids are 'over the moon' at being able to have birthday parties, which they were hesitant to have while moving around for fear of being moved on. Tina explained they were once moved on three times one Christmas Eve. The family recalls horrific racism against their people in decades gone by, with Oldy claiming a police officer once said to him: "Hitler had the right idea with you; they should've shot you all." Other awful instances include burning tyres being rolled under caravans in which children slept and having pesticide purposefully sprayed on them and their belongings. Tina also remembers cruel children's nursery rhymes warning against 'playing with Gypsies', saying this added fuel to the fire of people's perception of them. Cllr Satinder Shokar, of Medway Council, who has supported the families at the Wigmore Coach Park site 'from day one', says he's personally seen evidence of racism against the families from the authorities. "What I realised as a councillor was that the racism within organisations is institutionalised racism," he said. "There's not anywhere we didn't encounter it. We felt it important that their voices were heard. "[Being granted permanent residence at the Wigmore site] is another key victory for these families, offering further hope after years of repeated planning refusals. Oldy revealed that he doesn't blame outsiders for their misinformed view of his people. He says those who give Romani Gypsies a bad name, leaving heaps of rubbish behind them after festivals and gatherings, often aren't even Gypsies but just 'like the way of life' and are 'lost'. He added: "Our way of life is coming to an end. But we don't want our tradition and culture to end. We are holding our hands up and saying, 'We want to stay here'. This is paradise for us. Just stopping here... It's like winning the lottery. They are realising we are human beings."
Scottish Sun
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
We're a real gypsy family of 29 people – traditions people don't know including why we jump over brooms & burn caravans
The family spoke of cruel backlash they have received over the years TRAVELLER WAYS We're a real gypsy family of 29 people – traditions people don't know including why we jump over brooms & burn caravans Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A FAMILY of Romani Gypsies have lifted the lid on their 'proud' traditions, busting myths peddled by TV shows and revealing how life revolves around food, family - and bleach. The family of 15 adults and 14 children, who have established a permanent camp at the disused Wigmore Coach Park off the M2 in Kent, said misconceptions thanks to shows like My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding often paint them in an unfavourable light. 17 Oldy and Tina Herring have made a permanent camp at the disused Wigmore Coach Park in Kent Credit: SWNS 17 The family of 15 adults and 14 children have created a community together that follows Romany gypsy traditions Credit: SWNS 17 Oldy Herring, left, is the elder of the Gypsy family unit Credit: SWNS Oldy Herring - who is now the elder of the family unit at 67 but was once the youngest - and his wife Tina say 'nonsense' fake traditions such as 'grabbing' at Gypsy weddings are made up and offensive. Oldy insists that, in reality, if a young Gypsy tried to grab a young woman at a wedding he'd get little more than a black eye from her family for his lack of respect. Instead, the couple explained that Romani Gypsy culture revolves around family, respect for elders, religion, storytelling, animals, cleanliness, charity and community. The family - who live with a whole host of animals - recently won the right to permanently stay at the former park and ride after winning a landmark case against Medway Council - which spent as much as £100,000 in taxpayer money fighting the case. But they say the only reason people don't want to live alongside them is that they know so little about them and their rich culture. However, due to reports of 'Gypsies' causing trouble across the country, the families say they're often 'tarred with the same brush'. "I have kept my family together all of my life," Oldy, who has 18 great-grandchildren and around the same number of grandchildren, adding: "There's a birthday every week! "We've got feelings and we've got respect for ourselves and decency for other people. We have been like that all our lives. "But people look down on us like we have just come from Mars. "We are rough and ready, but any one of you can have bread and cheese with us - we are human. Gypsy Rose Blanchard reveals reason behind 25lb weight loss as she flaunts slim waist after giving birth "People who put their noses up at us, all I say is: come and find out who we are. We just try and keep ourselves to ourselves. "They give us a bad name until they get to know us, then they realise we are not like they think we are. "People are frightened by the myth. We've just got a bad name." Despite settling down at the Kent site, Oldy - who admits never having been to school in his life - says the family will continue their Romani Gypsy traditions that have been around for centuries. 17 The family has made a permanent home in the area Credit: SWNS 17 This is the first time the family have been granted permission to stay permanently at a site Credit: SWNS MARRIAGE TRADITIONS He explained that marriages and funerals are the big calendar occasions, as well as Christmas. The jumping of the broomstick, where newly married couples go hand-in-hand over a brush, is a wedding tradition that lives on. And despite mostly keeping it in the Romani Gypsy community, there's no rules against marrying outsiders. "We try to marry in the Roma community, but you don't have to," Oldy said. If you tried to grab a Gypsy girl at a wedding, you would get a punch: that's disrespecting that woman Oldy Herring "Once [outsiders] are in, they often don't want to leave. "Once you are married, you are married for life. And the girls go and live with their husbands and their families." "Girls have got to be kept pure until they are married," Oldy's wife, Tina, added. "Everyone travels to be together for weddings and funerals. Everyone will come from miles around." 17 The family explained that Romani Gypsy culture revolves around family, respect for elders, religion, storytelling, animals, cleanliness, charity and community Credit: SWNS TV BACKLASH However, Oldy says shows such as My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding have peddled offensive falsities about some supposed traditions. The controversial act of 'grabbing' seen on the show, where young men throw women over their shoulders to force a kiss, is one myth Oldy wanted to bust. "We don't believe in that; that's just something the young boys started doing," he said. "That Big Gypsy Weddings show… It's a load of nonsense. That brought on the misconceptions - it's all put on. 17 The family - who live with a whole host of animals - recently won the right to permanently stay at the former park Credit: SWNS 17 Some of the caravans have awning extensions of them Credit: SWNS "If you tried to grab a Gypsy girl at a wedding, you would get a punch: that's disrespecting that woman." "Lots of things were wrong on that show," Tina agreed. "Religion is a big part of our culture. Everybody believes in the Lord and bringing kids up with Christian values." Tina added that charity was also a big part of the culture. "Because we know what it's like to not have any bread in you, or not to have a roof over your head," Oldy rejoined. "If we see someone who needs help, we help them. We can't understand why people don't do the same for us." 17 Children playing on the traveller site Credit: SWNS KEEPING CLEAN Keeping a clean home is also essential to their way of life, with Tina crediting it for helping to stop the spread of diseases in their community. "We like a bottle of bleach and always have done," she said. "A lot of people only use bleach in their toilets, but we use it everywhere. "We've got funny beliefs and strict rules." Another of these beliefs, Tina explained, is that toilets and showers inside their caravans are never used, saying: "Never in a million years do you use the toilet or shower in your caravan. "It's too close to your sink." 17 The family continue Romani Gypsy traditions that have been around for centuries Credit: SWNS Instead they use publicly available shower blocks and toilets, or facilities in gyms and pubs. Oldy adds that he would pray their next site would be clean when he was a young boy, as it was always his job to clear it. "And people have the cheek to say, 'Dirty, stinking gypsies'," he said. Once you are married, you are married for life. And the girls go and live with their husbands and their families Oldy Herring Tina also revealed a lesser-known tradition after the passing of loved ones in the Romani Gypsy community, saying: "When you die, if there's no one to live in your caravan, the caravan gets burned." Animals and storytelling also play big roles in Romani Gypsy life. "Because we couldn't read or write, we told stories," Oldy said. "Animals are a big part of our lives; the country is our lives, and we love the country." 17 Toilets and showers inside their caravans are never used Credit: SWNS DISHING UP Food, as in most cultures, also plays a huge part in bringing together the family for evening meals. 'Old-fashioned' dishes, like meat puddings and rice puddings, are cooked in centuries-old cast-iron pots that have cooked thousands of meals over the years. The ancient pots hang in an open shed on the family's site, under which a young Jack Russell puppy barks below a framed photo of the Kray twins, who were of Romani descent. Tina explained that the pots - always heated over dead wood, which 'doesn't smoke' - lock the taste and smell of the food cooked in them. 17 Oldy says shows such as My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding have peddled offensive falsities about some supposed traditions Credit: SWNS "Meat's a big part of our diet," Tina said. "I have never met a vegetarian gypsy in my life." Despite a reputation for violence and bare-knuckle boxing, Oldy claims that the majority of the time, disputes are settled with words rather than fists. Their Christian values also encourage them to help out others in need, such as motorists who've broken down near their site. Tina also recalled stepping in during the beating of a young girl, who she took in and cleaned up after intervening. This is the first time the family have been granted permission to stay permanently at a site, meaning their children can continue studying at local schools. 17 The family recalls horrific instances of racism against their people in decades gone by Credit: SWNS "All we want is somewhere to stop," Oldy continued. "We keep it clean and tidy and nobody has complained about us. "We went to the courts and won our case. We are a quiet family and we are willing to pay our way. We pay to stay here, for the bins and the toilets. "Our children love the school here. I have never been to school in my life. It's not because we're stupid, it's because we've not had a place to call home. "The kids ask with their homework, 'Is this right?' and I say, 'You tell me!'. "I am trying to bring my children up the best way I can. "There's a lot of people who think travelling is a good way of life. "You've got to be born with this and it goes through generations. "I am so proud of being a gypsy. There's good and bad, but they all paint us with the same brush." 17 The family is now content to stay at the Wigmore Coach Park site Credit: SWNS 17 Keeping a clean home is also essential to their way of life, Credit: SWNS LONG-TERM HOME Having spent their lives up until now constantly on the move, only looking for a new site 'once we got bored', the family is now content to stay at the Wigmore Coach Park site, saying it's become more and more difficult to keep moving. Oldy said the kids are 'over the moon' at being able to have birthday parties, which they were reluctant to have whilst moving around for fear of being moved on - with Tina saying they were once moved on three times one Christmas Eve. The family recalls horrific instances of racism against their people in decades gone by, with Oldy claiming a police officer once told him: "Hitler had the right idea with you; they should've shot you all." 17 The family insist they are trying to bring up their children in the best way they can Credit: SWNS Other horror stories include burning tyres being rolled under caravans in which children slept and having pesticide purposefully sprayed on them and their belongings. Tina also recounts children's nursery rhymes warning against 'playing with Gypsies', saying this added fuel to the fire of people's perception of them. Cllr Satinder Shokar, of Medway Council, who has supported the families at the Wigmore Coach Park site 'from day one', says he's personally seen evidence of racism against the families from the authorities. "What I realised as a councillor was that the racism within organisations is institutionalised racism," he said. "There's not anywhere we didn't encounter it. We felt it important that their voices were heard. "[Being granted permanent residence at the Wigmore site] is another key victory for these families, offering further hope after years of repeated planning refusals. 17 Family life has a big focus on animals Credit: SWNS "With over 90 per cent of applications refused nationwide, until these figures change, the long-term trend of cultural apartheid against the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller community will persist." It was revealed recently that cash-strapped Medway Council spent as much as £100,000 in taxpayer money on court fees fighting against the family's right to remain at the site. Oldy says he doesn't blame outsiders for their misinformed, stereotypical perception of his people. 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. He says those who give his people a bad name, leaving trails of rubbish behind them after festivals and gatherings, often aren't even Gypsies but just 'like the way of life' and are 'lost'. Oldy said the same could also be said of many of those outside the Gypsy community, saying: "There's no respect. "I think they've just lost their way, but there's nothing wrong with them. "Respect for the elders is a big thing for us: respect your parents and grandparents. "We don't believe in letting our children go. That's our job, from the moment I got my eldest son. "Our way of life is coming to an end. But we don't want our tradition and culture to end. "We are holding our hands up and saying, 'We want to stay here'. "This is paradise for us. Just stopping here... It's like winning the lottery. "They are realising we are human beings." "We are comfortable here," Tina agreed. "We are starting to be accepted."
The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
We're a real gypsy family of 29 people – traditions people don't know including why we jump over brooms & burn caravans
A FAMILY of Romani Gypsies have lifted the lid on their 'proud' traditions, busting myths peddled by TV shows and revealing how life revolves around food, family - and bleach. The family of 15 adults and 14 children, who have established a permanent camp at the disused Wigmore Coach Park off the M2 in Kent , said misconceptions thanks to shows like My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding often paint them in an unfavourable light. 17 Oldy and Tina Herring have made a permanent camp at the disused Wigmore Coach Park in Kent Credit: SWNS 17 The family of 15 adults and 14 children have created a community together that follows Romany gypsy traditions Credit: SWNS 17 Oldy Herring, left, is the elder of the Gypsy family unit Credit: SWNS Oldy Herring - who is now the elder of the family unit at 67 but was once the youngest - and his wife Tina say 'nonsense' fake traditions such as 'grabbing' at Gypsy weddings are made up and offensive. Oldy insists that, in reality, if a young Gypsy tried to grab a young woman at a wedding he'd get little more than a black eye from her family for his lack of respect. Instead, the couple explained that Romani Gypsy culture revolves around family, respect for elders, religion, storytelling, animals, cleanliness, charity and community. The family - who live with a whole host of animals - recently won the right to permanently stay at the former park and ride after winning a landmark case against Medway Council - which spent as much as £100,000 in taxpayer money fighting the case. More on gypsies But they say the only reason people don't want to live alongside them is that they know so little about them and their rich culture. However, due to reports of 'Gypsies' causing trouble across the country, the families say they're often 'tarred with the same brush'. "I have kept my family together all of my life," Oldy, who has 18 great-grandchildren and around the same number of grandchildren, adding: "There's a birthday every week! "We've got feelings and we've got respect for ourselves and decency for other people. We have been like that all our lives. Most read in Fabulous "But people look down on us like we have just come from Mars. "We are rough and ready, but any one of you can have bread and cheese with us - we are human. Gypsy Rose Blanchard reveals reason behind 25lb weight loss as she flaunts slim waist after giving birth "People who put their noses up at us, all I say is: come and find out who we are. We just try and keep ourselves to ourselves. "They give us a bad name until they get to know us, then they realise we are not like they think we are. "People are frightened by the myth. We've just got a bad name." Despite settling down at the Kent site, Oldy - who admits never having been to school in his life - says the family will continue their Romani Gypsy traditions that have been around for centuries. 17 The family has made a permanent home in the area Credit: SWNS 17 This is the first time the family have been granted permission to stay permanently at a site Credit: SWNS MARRIAGE TRADITIONS He explained that marriages and funerals are the big calendar occasions, as well as Christmas . The jumping of the broomstick, where newly married couples go hand-in-hand over a brush, is a wedding tradition that lives on. And despite mostly keeping it in the Romani Gypsy community, there's no rules against marrying outsiders. "We try to marry in the Roma community, but you don't have to," Oldy said. If you tried to grab a Gypsy girl at a wedding, you would get a punch: that's disrespecting that woman Oldy Herring "Once [outsiders] are in, they often don't want to leave. "Once you are married, you are married for life. And the girls go and live with their husbands and their families." "Girls have got to be kept pure until they are married," Oldy's wife, Tina, added. "Everyone travels to be together for weddings and funerals. Everyone will come from miles around." 17 The family explained that Romani Gypsy culture revolves around family, respect for elders, religion, storytelling, animals, cleanliness, charity and community Credit: SWNS TV BACKLASH However, Oldy says shows such as My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding have peddled offensive falsities about some supposed traditions. The controversial act of 'grabbing' seen on the show, where young men throw women over their shoulders to force a kiss, is one myth Oldy wanted to bust. "We don't believe in that; that's just something the young boys started doing," he said. "That Big Gypsy Weddings show… It's a load of nonsense. That brought on the misconceptions - it's all put on. 17 The family - who live with a whole host of animals - recently won the right to permanently stay at the former park Credit: SWNS 17 Some of the caravans have awning extensions of them Credit: SWNS "If you tried to grab a Gypsy girl at a wedding, you would get a punch: that's disrespecting that woman." "Lots of things were wrong on that show," Tina agreed. "Religion is a big part of our culture. Everybody believes in the Lord and bringing kids up with Christian values." Tina added that charity was also a big part of the culture. "Because we know what it's like to not have any bread in you, or not to have a roof over your head," Oldy rejoined. "If we see someone who needs help, we help them. We can't understand why people don't do the same for us." 17 Children playing on the traveller site Credit: SWNS KEEPING CLEAN Keeping a clean home is also essential to their way of life, with Tina crediting it for helping to stop the spread of diseases in their community. "We like a bottle of bleach and always have done," she said. "A lot of people only use bleach in their toilets, but we use it everywhere. "We've got funny beliefs and strict rules." Another of these beliefs, Tina explained, is that toilets and showers inside their caravans are never used, saying: "Never in a million years do you use the toilet or shower in your caravan. "It's too close to your sink." 17 The family continue Romani Gypsy traditions that have been around for centuries Credit: SWNS Instead they use publicly available shower blocks and toilets, or facilities in gyms and pubs . Oldy adds that he would pray their next site would be clean when he was a young boy, as it was always his job to clear it. "And people have the cheek to say, 'Dirty, stinking gypsies'," he said. Once you are married, you are married for life. And the girls go and live with their husbands and their families Oldy Herring Tina also revealed a lesser-known tradition after the passing of loved ones in the Romani Gypsy community, saying: "When you die, if there's no one to live in your caravan, the caravan gets burned." Animals and storytelling also play big roles in Romani Gypsy life. "Because we couldn't read or write, we told stories," Oldy said. "Animals are a big part of our lives; the country is our lives, and we love the country." 17 Toilets and showers inside their caravans are never used Credit: SWNS DISHING UP Food, as in most cultures, also plays a huge part in bringing together the family for evening meals. 'Old-fashioned' dishes, like meat puddings and rice puddings, are cooked in centuries-old cast-iron pots that have cooked thousands of meals over the years. The ancient pots hang in an open shed on the family's site, under which a young Jack Russell puppy barks below a framed photo of the Tina explained that the pots - always heated over dead wood, which 'doesn't smoke' - lock the taste and smell of the food cooked in them. 17 Oldy says shows such as My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding have peddled offensive falsities about some supposed traditions Credit: SWNS "Meat's a big part of our diet," Tina said. "I have never met a vegetarian gypsy in my life." Despite a reputation for violence and bare-knuckle boxing , Oldy claims that the majority of the time, disputes are settled with words rather than fists. Their Christian values also encourage them to help out others in need, such as motorists who've broken down near their site. Tina also recalled stepping in during the beating of a young girl, who she took in and cleaned up after intervening. This is the first time the family have been granted permission to stay permanently at a site, meaning their children can continue studying at local schools . 17 The family recalls horrific instances of racism against their people in decades gone by Credit: SWNS "All we want is somewhere to stop," Oldy continued. "We keep it clean and tidy and nobody has complained about us. "We went to the courts and won our case. We are a quiet family and we are willing to pay our way. We pay to stay here, for the bins and the toilets. "Our children love the school here. I have never been to school in my life. It's not because we're stupid, it's because we've not had a place to call home. "The kids ask with their homework, 'Is this right?' and I say, 'You tell me!'. "I am trying to bring my children up the best way I can. "There's a lot of people who think travelling is a good way of life. "You've got to be born with this and it goes through generations. "I am so proud of being a gypsy. There's good and bad, but they all paint us with the same brush." 17 The family is now content to stay at the Wigmore Coach Park site Credit: SWNS 17 Keeping a clean home is also essential to their way of life, Credit: SWNS LONG-TERM HOME Having spent their lives up until now constantly on the move, only looking for a new site 'once we got bored', the family is now content to stay at the Wigmore Coach Park site, saying it's become more and more difficult to keep moving. Oldy said the kids are 'over the moon' at being able to have birthday parties, which they were reluctant to have whilst moving around for fear of being moved on - with Tina saying they were once moved on three times one Christmas Eve. The family recalls horrific instances of racism against their people in decades gone by, with Oldy claiming a police officer once told him: "Hitler had the right idea with you; they should've shot you all." 17 The family insist they are trying to bring up their children in the best way they can Credit: SWNS Other horror stories include burning tyres being rolled under caravans in which children slept and having pesticide purposefully sprayed on them and their belongings. Tina also recounts children's nursery rhymes warning against 'playing with Gypsies', saying this added fuel to the fire of people's perception of them. Cllr Satinder Shokar, of Medway Council, who has supported the families at the Wigmore Coach Park site 'from day one', says he's personally seen evidence of racism against the families from the authorities. "What I realised as a councillor was that the racism within organisations is institutionalised racism," he said. "There's not anywhere we didn't encounter it. We felt it important that their voices were heard. "[Being granted permanent residence at the Wigmore site] is another key victory for these families, offering further hope after years of repeated planning refusals. 17 Family life has a big focus on animals Credit: SWNS "With over 90 per cent of applications refused nationwide , until these figures change, the long-term trend of cultural apartheid against the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller community will persist." It was revealed recently that cash-strapped Medway Council spent as much as £100,000 in taxpayer money on court fees fighting against the family's right to remain at the site. Oldy says he doesn't blame outsiders for their misinformed, stereotypical perception of his people. 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. He says those who give his people a bad name, leaving trails of rubbish behind them after festivals and gatherings, often aren't even Gypsies but just 'like the way of life' and are 'lost'. Oldy said the same could also be said of many of those outside the Gypsy community, saying: "There's no respect. "I think they've just lost their way, but there's nothing wrong with them. "Respect for the elders is a big thing for us: respect your parents and grandparents. "We don't believe in letting our children go. That's our job, from the moment I got my eldest son. "Our way of life is coming to an end. But we don't want our tradition and culture to end. "We are holding our hands up and saying, 'We want to stay here'. "This is paradise for us. Just stopping here... It's like winning the lottery. "They are realising we are human beings." "We are comfortable here," Tina agreed. "We are starting to be accepted."
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Scotsman
3 days ago
- Politics
- Scotsman
Pressure mounts on Scottish Government to apologise for 'Tinker Experiment'
Sign up to our Politics newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Pressure is mounting on the Scottish Government to formally apologise for the 'Tinker Experiment'. Gypsy Traveller communities have been campaigning for a formal apology for more than 20 years for the years-long social experiment to 'settle' travellers. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The experiment began in the 1940s and saw families forced to leave their lives on the road for settlements after being threatened to have their children removed and taken into care. A traveller family pictured near Pitlochry in 1958. | TSPL Many were then deliberately housed in substandard and overcrowded accommodation in sites across Scotland. Traveller communities are now hoping First Minister John Swinney will issue a formal apology. He is due to make a statement in Holyrood on the 'Tinker Experiment' on Wednesday. Shamus McPhee, who describes himself as Nacken, grew up in the former Bobbin Mill site in Pitlochry in huts which had no electricity or heating. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad He told The Scotsman: 'This was a crime against humanity and we have been campaigning and lobbying for over 20 years. It has been dragging on and I don't think that is helping anyone's physical or mental health because we've been suffering for such a long time. 'An apology would only be a positive thing for our community.' However, he said he would be 'surprised' to see the Government issue an apology due to years of being 'shunned' by those in positions of power. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad He said the 'Tinker Experiment' was still ongoing across Scotland. Scottish Greens MSP Maggie Chapman said this should be a 'great shame of Scotland's past', but was still 'very alive and normalised'. She said: 'We see discrimination against these communities in our schools and in our social services, with many people I've spoken to being refused services because their way of living is deemed unsuitable and is misunderstood. 'If we're serious about addressing the prejudices faced by Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities across Scotland, the Scottish Government needs to apologise for the Tinker Experiment - something which caused such harm to so many children and families. People have been waiting far too long.'
