As July begins, there is much to give thanks for while reflecting on a full and meaningful Gypsy, Roma and Traveller (GRT) History Month across the Diocese of Durham.
Across partners, schools, churches and community organisations, June was shaped by listening, shared presence and prayer, as people contributed across different parts of the work in a range of ways, continuing to walk alongside GRT communities across the region.
The month began during the Thy Kingdom Come prayer period, a global movement of prayer that encourages Christians to pray for their communities and for more people to come to know the love of Christ.
A group including Rev. Nicky Chater, GRT Chaplain, Michael Bullock (Arc4), Caroline Weir, Rachel Dowdeswell, Andrew Mattches, Simon Hardy, a Lindisfarne College of Theology student on chaplaincy placement, and Julie Gorman-Cliff, alongside others involved across different visits, spent time visiting GRT sites across the Diocese. They prayed with and for communities, holding before God their hopes, struggles and everyday realities. Particular gratitude is extended for Simon's commitment across many of the visits. These moments of prayer continue to shape and ground this ministry.
As part of the month, a pilgrimage was also made to Appleby Horse Fair, where Rev. Nicky Chater, GRT Chaplain, Caroline Weir, Brenda Dinsdale, Honorary Life President of Newcastle Reform Synagogue and an active member of local interfaith forums and groups, and Julie Gorman-Cliff were warmly hosted by Billy Welch, who helps organise Appleby. Deep gratitude is extended for his welcome and hospitality, and for the opportunity to listen, learn and be present within this important gathering in the life of the Traveller community. Brenda's presence also reflected the value of growing interfaith relationships as understanding, respect and friendship continue to be built across communities.
Time was also spent at West Rainton Primary School, working in partnership with Beamish Museum to share stories of GRT heritage and learn Irish folk songs with the children. Faith objects were also shared, helping pupils make connections with their own experiences and opening up thoughtful conversations about faith, culture and belonging.
The latest GRT Multi-Agency Network Meeting was also organised, generously hosted by Beamish Museum, bringing together educators, professionals, faith representatives and community organisations from across County Durham and the wider North East.
The meeting was initiated and organised by Julie Gorman-Cliff, a member of the Diocese of Durham GRT Chaplaincy Development Team, Wellbeing Co-ordinator, therapist and member of the Traveller community, as part of ongoing collaborative work established in 2025 to strengthen partnership and improve equity of outcomes for Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities.
Gratitude is also extended for contributions from Caroline Weir, RE Adviser for Durham and Newcastle Dioceses, Rachel Dowdeswell, SEN teacher, and Dr Alex Barber, Associate Professor at Durham University. Together they reflected on inclusion, educational equity and the barriers still faced by Gypsy, Roma and Traveller children and young people. It was encouraging to hear examples of positive practice across schools, Beamish Museum and education partners, alongside Durham University's GTRSB into Higher Education Pledge.
Alongside this, the foundations have begun to be laid for a GRT Homework Club in Lanchester, in partnership with Lanchester Endowed Primary School, All Saints Parish Church, Lanchester, a GRT Friendly Church, and Durham University. This is a developing piece of work, but one that is hoped will offer steady, practical support for children and families.
All of this work reflects what can grow when churches, schools, community organisations, universities and local communities walk together with openness, humility and a shared commitment to dignity, belonging and hope. It sits within the Diocese's growing GRT Chaplaincy Development Team, where relationships continue to deepen, new partnerships are taking root, and encouraging signs are emerging of what is possible when people respond generously to God's call to love and serve their neighbours.