A voice for Dorset Gypsies and Travellers
Kushti bok
Updated 10 February 2012
Registered Charity Number 1136229
Our current aim is to secure funding so that Kushti Bok can maintain a viable and
sustainable future for the group and its work. We are a voluntary organisation (non-
Kushti Bok is currently liasing with Dorset Police to help improve their policies and approach to Gypsies and Travellers in Dorset.
We have set up the "Gypsies, Travellers, Nomadic People and Dorset Police, working
together" group We're working with them to tackle institutional racism and fear,
so that our voices can be heard in a positive and empowered way.
We work in partnership with the Dorset Race Equality Council and are applying for funding for a development worker to be recruited from our own communities.
We now represent Gypsies and Travellers in Dorset on various police independent advisory groups, which also include other ethnic minorities. Independent advisory groups work locally with police to overcome prejudice and deal with problems as they happen.
We also work with Dorset County Council regarding site and issues and the planning of future sites.
What we do/News
Date of Release: 21st July 2011
Kushti Bok wishes Kingston Maurward College ‘Good Luck’
To celebrate a relationship formed over the past seven years, Kushti Bok, the gypsy and traveller community group in Dorset has presented Kingston Maurward College with a Legend Pole – a unique cedar sculpture bearing carvings representing the culture of gypsy and traveller people.
Kushti Bok, meaning ‘good luck’ in Romany, was formed in 2005 to help gypsy and traveller communities to overcome discrimination, isolation and stigma and improve learning opportunities.
Kingston Maurward College has worked in partnership with the group to deliver flexible training in qualifications at Levels 1 to 3, ranging from large goods vehicle driving, hairdressing and beauty therapy, to chainsaw operation, childcare and teaching. During the project, over 100 gypsies and travellers have achieved qualifications.
To commemorate the partnership the group asked local sculptor Gary Orange to create the Legend Pole from one piece of cedar depicting familiar images of gypsy and traveller life. Scenes include a pony, caravan and leaves and fruit representing the relationship between travellers and the land.
Now situated in the Alpaca enclosure at Kingston Maurward Animal Park, the Legend Pole was received by college Principal Clare Davison and Governor Reverend Canon Doctor Jean Coates, who said: “We are delighted to have such strong ties with Kushti Bok and the gypsy and traveller communities in Dorset. It is an honour to be presented with such a beautiful piece of work.”
Kushti Bok chairperson Ruth McGill: “As a group we try to be good ambassadors and wherever possible build bridges between us and settled communities. We are very proud of the relationship we have with Kingston Maurward College and we look forward to continuing a long term education programme for our communities.”
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Submitted Photo: (L-
Editor’s Note: Based near Dorchester, Kingston Maurward College offers inspiring and challenging education and training opportunities to equip learners with the knowledge and skills to succeed in life and work. The college is set in a stunning 750 acre estate complete with a Georgian main building, commercial farm, laboratories, training areas, animal care unit and new £1m purpose built skills centre. Course areas include agriculture, horticulture, food, outdoor adventure and sports coaching, countryside management, foundation learning, animal care, equine studies, construction, army preparation, IT business and professional, and business administration and finance.
For more information please contact:
Esther Baker
Marketing & PR Co-
01305 215 120
