Memorandum by West Midlands Consortium
Education Service for Travelling Children (TF 32)
1. The continued value of historic travelling
fairs
The statute/charter fairs continued to be an
important part of our local and regional history.
They represent a valuable dimension to the identity,
tradition and culture of an area. They mark the passing of a year
by both reported and living history and keep alive in an educational
and cultural sense the character of an area.
Importantly they bring entertainment (technical
and novel) to many people who would not generally have access
at a local level, continuing their age old tradition for innovation
which included being the first in bringing light and moving pictures
to communities.
Equally important they encourage family/community
based activity spanning all age groups.
The Fairs represent revenue for local councils
and provide casual employment.
Less publicised is the community, education
and charity work undertaken by Showmen through the fairs.
Disabled children, special schools, local schools
all benefit from their actions when the fair is given over for
their special enjoyment.
The fairs also act as a significant resource
for school projects whether at a historical, mathematical, technical
or language based level.
3. The particular needs of showpeople in
carrying out their trade
As an educational support service for Travellers
I would highlight the need for flexible accredited short courses
at vocational/training levels to upgrade the community taught
skills eg welding, sign writing etc. and to develop showpeoples
formal skills regarding eg. Business management, ICT etc.
6. Any other matters which may arrive in
the course of questioning
Whilst not qualified to comment regarding planning
guidance and process it is essential that families have stable
places to stay outside the touring season from which children
can attend a regular school and the community can access local
education facilities. From these stable bases School Based Distance
Learning Work can be effected in preparation for children leaving
to tour. Local Colleges can be "skilled up" to meet
the specific educational needs of Showmen regarding short course
provision, supervision of work at work site etc.
The West Midlands Consortium Education Service
for Travelling Children is an education and field welfare support
service to schools, families and local authority services.
The consortium includes 13 Local Education Authorities
in the West Midlands region.
The Service has 25 years experience of working
with Showmen's children and communities and the communities in
which families are based and through which they travel in the
West Midlands.
Pat Holmes (Ms)
Co-ordinator
February 2000
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