By Olivia Morrison, Head of Partnerships and Advocacy
\nEarlier this month, our Head of Partnerships and Advocacy Olivia Morrison attended the launch of Pride of Romany’s Atchin Tan project.
\nOn Monday 6th October, I had the honour of attending the launch of Pride of Romany’s Atchin Tan documentary and exhibition in Nantwich, Cheshire.
\nEarlier that day, a commemorative plaque had been unveiled on Sound Common to honour the British Romany families who had lived on the Common for generations before their forced removal in the 1960s. The Caravan Sites and Control of Development Act, issued in 1960, is just one example of centuries-long discriminatory legislation which has contributed to the forced assimilation of British Romany people. This Act ultimately led to the closure of many traditional stopping places, or “Atchin Tans.”
\nOver the last few weeks, I’ve found it difficult to put into words just how significant the installation of the plaque on Sound Common is. Whilst I am of Romany (Gypsy) heritage myself, I don’t have a personal connection to Sound Common – and yet, I feel that this moment represents a significant point in the history of the British Romany people altogether.
\nNot only is the plaque a physical testimony to the Romany people who lived on the Common, but it is also a powerful reminder that the British Romany people were – and are still – here. For centuries, the stories and legacies of British Romany people have been lost, ignored or omitted from history. The plaque on Sound Common signifies a reclamation of that history.
\nAs part of the Atchin Tan Heritage Project, Pride of Romany collaborated with Romany historians, community elders and other local stakeholders, capturing their diverse histories, folklore and stories. Some of these stories were shared in the exhibition, as well as in the documentary, which was showcased at the gala event that evening. The documentary, titled ‘Who We Were,’ was filmed by Charles Newland, a Romany filmmaker.
\nThe film is an emotional testimony to the lives of those who lived on the Common and highlights the importance of the preservation of this history. As the documentary came to an end, the room erupted into applause. The energy in the room was palpable, as though we had all come to the same shared understanding of why this work is so important.
\nThe evening also saw an exceptional performance from Connor Bennett (whose ancestors lived on the Common), who performed songs by Johnny Cash and Willie Nelson – as well as some of his own songs.
\nOverall, I’m delighted to have had the opportunity to attend this event, and I look forward to seeing what’s next in store for Pride of Romany!
\nIf you’d like to find out more about Pride of Romany, please visit HOME | Pride of Romany. Charmaine Abdul Karim (CEO of Pride of Romany) will also be speaking at our Annual Conference later this month so do take the opportunity to find out more about the organisation there. Tickets to TM’s conference can be purchased here: Who’s Left Behind? Rebuilding Trust, Fairness & Opportunity Tickets, Thu 20 Nov 2025 at 09:30 | Eventbrite
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