Nelson Scott and Dinky Sherwood, two Romany gypsy cousins, gathered on a wall overlooking the throngs at the Wickham Horse Fair, where the air thrummed with excitement. Held annually since 1269, this historic event near Winchester is a crucial cultural fixture for the Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller communities. Yet both men expressed profound disappointment, believing that the essence of the fair is being eroded by an influx of non-travellers, whom they refer to dismissively as “gorja wannabes.”

Scott, 78, lamented the dilution of their tradition, suggesting that genuine Romany representation is now alarmingly sparse. “There’s only about 10 years left before it will stop completely. It will be a shame because we won’t be able to meet up like we do,” he said. His cousin echoed these sentiments, stating, “The fair’s dying out because there are too many wannabes. They look at you like you’re a bit of s*** on their shoe.” The pair’s fears reflect a broader anxiety within the community about the sustaining of their cultural heritage amid changing demographics and societal norms.

The worrying trend of cultural appropriation extends beyond the fair itself. Scott and Sherwood contend that the new generation of travellers is increasingly distancing itself from traditional lifestyles, citing mixed marriages as a significant factor. Historically, strict cultural boundaries maintained the integrity of their way of life, but Scott observed that many younger individuals now form relationships with non-travellers. This integration is seen by some as a direct threat to their cultural identity, with Scott noting, “We are a dying race. There’s too much mixing.”

Jessy Goddard, a respected horse trader, provided an additional perspective, suggesting that the rise of “wannabes” is tied to money laundering schemes where individuals lacking genuine ties to the horse-trading tradition exploit the fair for profit. “Half of the people here, mostly gorjas with horses, were never brought up with horses,” he claimed. This commodification undermines the historical significance of the event, shifting it from a community gathering to a commercial opportunity for outsiders.

Despite the challenges, the fair continues to draw thousands. Over 2,000 attendees from across the UK gathered this year, and there were no reported incidents of anti-social behaviour, dispelling some of the negative stereotypes associated with the event. Community sentiment has been robust, asserting a long-held right to conduct the fair under a Royal Charter, a privilege established over 800 years ago.

The Wickham Horse Fair is not merely a gathering for horse trading; it encapsulates a way of life steeped in tradition. The traditions of the Romany gypsies, including their culinary practices and communal gatherings, are slowly fading. Dinky reminisced about the simpler, more rustic lifestyle of their past, where they hunted and cooked over open fires rather than opting for fast food that has proliferated in contemporary society. “We like our good old-fashioned food,” he declared, suggesting that the growing influence of modern conveniences is diluting their cultural uniqueness.

Complicating matters, local businesses often succumb to pressure from authorities to shut down during the fair, claiming that such actions harm their economic interests. The implications are severe: with businesses shuttered, travellers are deprived of local services, reinforcing a cycle of alienation. Goddard lamented the missed opportunities for local commerce, arguing that if businesses remained open, they could benefit substantially from the fair’s influx of visitors.

The narrative surrounding travellers often adheres to stereotypes that cast them as criminals, a gross simplification that Scott vehemently refutes. “Let me ask you, how many Romany travellers do you see getting done for rape, murder or killing babies on TV? You don’t,” he asserted, questioning why the broader public tends to assign blame to the Romany community rather than addressing the issues stemming from a key segment of the population.

As Wickham Horse Fair faces the future, the sentiments expressed by Scott, Sherwood, and Goddard highlight a cultural crossroads. The challenge lies not only in preserving their remarkable traditions but also in fostering understanding among communities that have often viewed the Romany lifestyle through a distorted lens. As Scott concluded, “We will never change,” reaffirming a commitment to their identity even as the world around them evolves.

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Source: Noah Wire Services