Before long I’m dressed up like a genuine gypsy princess in a mink coat - I’m a vegetarian, so this isn’t boding well for my animal rights credentials and matching Louboutin 7-inch heels, which I learn are made from pony skin. Violet says proudly that “everything in her trailer has a function”. She doesn’t have lots of possessions, but what she does own is a luxury brand, something that will retain its value and can be passed down through the generations like her Crown Derby. I ask if she’d like to live in a house. “I do own a house. I lived with my husband before we got divorced. I didn’t like bricks and mortar.” I notice she has a copy of the bible, so I ask if all gypsies and travellers go to church. “Well, we traditionally always adopt the religion of the country where we settle. Romany gypsies are now predominantly Evangelical Christians. We all go to church three times a week. Irish travellers are Catholics. Some gypsies and travellers are Muslims too. We’ve always been spiritual people and religion plays a big part in our daily lives.” There’s a little tap on the trailer door and in comes Violet’s two little nieces, who are polite and quiet, but curious about the funny gorja woman visiting Aunty Violet. I think back to the little girl and Dale Farm, and how through the ages gypsies have been misunderstood. Aunty Violet, the gypsy princess, is working hard to change that. Instead of sweeping history under the carpet, the true lives of gypsies and travellers will be brought to the surface. They will get the chance to tell their story, so little girls like these two don’t have to live in fear and persecution. They can be proud of their culture and history. End You can follow Rachel on Twitter at: @ Ra c h e l H o r n e
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