A GYPSY and traveller led organisation have secured funding to replace their Legend Pole with hopes to increase connection and engagement within the Dorset Gypsy and Traveller communities.

Kushti Bok, who support Gypsies and Travellers in Dorset to gain greater control over their lives and campaign to end the discrimination that they experience, will receive the money from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Legend Poles not only provide a focal point for gatherings but are also a memorial to those who have died on the road - the original one was carved with Gypsy, Roma and Traveller motifs in 2004.

The funding will replace the existing Legend Pole, which has suffered water and animal damage, with a new artwork by the original carver, Gary Orange.

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The new Legend Pole will be unveiled at Kingston Mauward College in Dorchester, on Sunday, July 17. The college has a long-standing relationship with Kushti Bok, who have supported the organisation by providing regular meeting spaces, hosting their annual Roma Holocaust Memorial event and have provided a permanent location for the Legend Pole.

The Chair of Kushti Bok, Betty Smith Billington, said: “This is a brilliant opportunity for all Dorset residents to become more aware of the beautiful culture and heritage of the Travelling communities.”

The new pole will be placed in the garden area of the college grounds, with a new plaque using capital ‘G’ and ‘T’ for ‘Gypsies and Travellers’.

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Kushti Bok aim to use a range of engagement events such as traditional craft and family history workshops to strengthen existing friendships and partnerships. They’ll also use the new Legend Pole to hold community events both physically and virtually to increase connection and engagement within the Dorset Gypsy and Traveller communities.

In addition, the project will be an opportunity for the organisation to collect stories and memories and share them with Dorset based repositories so they can continue to reflect Gypsy and Traveller culture and heritage.

Kushti Bok also hope that the Legend Pole project will be an opportunity for them to gain new supporters and committee members and map a path towards further fundraising.