DORSET residents will be offered better understanding of the travelling lifestyle at an event in Dorchester.

The South Dorset Multicul-tural Network is co-ordinating a day of activities at the Borough Gardens this Wednesday to mark Gypsy, Roma, Traveller Month.

A traditional gypsy caravan will be parking up at the free event, which runs from noon to 4pm, with people invited to come in and discover more about the traveller lifestyle.

There will be a chance to try traditional skills such as peg making, bender building and flower making as well as learning historic wagon painting techniques.

A display will also show old photos from the 1950s and 1960s depicting the lives of travellers.

West Dorset District Council community development officer Emma Scott said: “The event is aimed at celebrating the traditions and history of gypsies, who make up the largest ethnic minority group in Dorset and are something of a misunderstood community.

“There will be lots of displays looking at the history of gypsies in Dorset and about their local customs and ways of life.

“This is also an opportunity to talk to gypsies and people who work closely with gypsies and really find out more about this very ancient culture.”

There will also be traditional music from Dave Rawlins on the mandolin as well as storytelling from Michael Loader, and diocesan chaplain for gypsies and travellers the Rev Roger Redding will also be on hand.

Mrs Scott added: “The activities will be suitable for children and adults so there will be lots for people to see and talk about.

“We hope it will generate lots of discussion.

“One of the reasons we wanted to hold this event in the Borough Gardens was to make it accessible to people.

“People don’t have very much direct contact with gypsies and gypsy culture so it’s misunderstood.”

The event has been organised in partnership with the Children’s Society, the Ethnic Minority and Traveller Achievement Service and community workers from the Dorset Primary Care Trust.

Gypsy, Roma, Traveller Month was started in 2008 in a bid to raise awareness of the communities and their contributions to society, in a bid to combat negative stereotypes.

For information, contact 01305 252204 or 07971 220067, email e.scott@westdorset-dc.gov.uk