PHOTOGRAPHS and children’s drawings depicting different aspects of Gypsy Travellers’ lives proved a popular attraction at two events during the recent Chatteris Historic Festival.

In the first, three groups of about 20 primary school children were shown a display of John Band’s superb photographs of traditional Vardos (caravans) before colouring in a selection of similar pictures.

Later pupils from Cromwell Community College also produced their own drawings, with prizes awarded for the best two in each group.

All the children were given a brief talk on Gypsy Travellers in Fenland, outlining their history and dispelling popular myths. Subsequently all the pictures went on show to the general public.

Both events were organised by Fenland District Council’s Travellers team.