A Gypsy Rover

At Market Lavington Museum, we have no expertise on Romanies, gypsies or travellers but take an interest in all sorts of varied photos of the village. Here is one showing an unusual vehicle passing along Church Street. There is a touch of romance associated with the travelling life style – somewhat separate from the world that most of us live in. It seems (but probably isn’t) carefree – almost idyllic.

Were these people Romany folk, latter day travellers or holidaymakers? We don’t know, but the vehicle they have behind the horse certainly looks modern. The couple give every indication of being in control and contented.

People enjoying a travelling lifestyle on Church Street, Market Lavington in the early 1970s

This scene was captured on Market Lavington’s Church Street between 1971 and 1976. Many locals will recognise Peter Francis’ photographic shop in the background. Some will remember the Vivo grocery shop. A small number might remember this colourful garden shed on wheels passing through.

By 1976 the Vivo shop had become a Spar shop . The prices on the window are in decimal values so we know it was after February 15^th 1971. We think a Mr and Mrs Powell ran the Vivo store. Maybe it is Mrs Powell looking out through the window.

The caravan has the attention of the shop keeper

After Vivo and Spar, Mr Dempsey took over this shop and now it is a private house.

As ever, any further information would be gratefully received.

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The travelling evangelist

Peggy Gye, our founder curator and a lifelong resident of Market Lavington always associated this picture with Market Lavington. It shows the caravan and horses of travelling evangelists.

The travelling evangelists included Market Lavington on their rounds

We do not recognise the location and are not convinced it is Market Lavington. Surely, if it is, someone will recognise that gable end behind the leading horse.

However, we are certain that these evangelists came to Market Lavington and set up ‘shop’ here for a while. We know that local kids, given something to do, flocked to hear the message they gave out.

Let’s just take a look at the bicycle near the back of the caravan.

One man and his bike – might this help date the picture?

Our curator recalls riding a very similar bike in the 1950s – and it would have been anything but new then. It had the same rod operated brakes and the Sturmey Archer gear system with the gear change on the crossbar.

Any information would be gratefully received.