Romany's real name was Rev. George Bramwell Evens, a Minister of the Methodist Church. He was born in 1884 and died in 1943. His mother was a true gypsy, born in a caravan (or 'vardo' in Romani).

For many years he wrote about wildlife and the countryside in a number of newspapers. He sometimes called himself 'The Tramp' in these articles.

He's most famous, though, for his broadcasts on BBC Children's Hour in his 'Out With Romany' programmes. His young friends Muriel and Doris and his animals Raq the dog and Comma his horse accompanied him on his weekly outings often centred on his vardo. Romany was our first Natural History broadcaster, the forerunner of and inspiration for David Attenborough and David Bellamy.

Who and what are The Romany Society?

The Society was formed in 1996, with Mr Terry Waite as Patron and Mrs Romany Watt (Romany's daughter) as President. It was created to promote and encourage the study and appreciation of Romany, his life and works. There are over 200 members of all ages.

When does the Society meet?

Because it is a national organisation meetings are focussed on special events. For example, a Romany weekend takes place each year when members get together and visit sites that Romany made famous.

The vardo still exists and is based in Wilmslow, Cheshire, in the care of Macclesfield Borough Council. It is open to the public on the second Saturday of the month, May, July and September, 12.00pm. to 3.00pm. It is staffed by the Committee and is a Mecca for members.

Some quotes - as relevant today as 60 years ago:

'Once again I saw those majestic hills. I was consoled to think that no lorry will ever replace the sheepdog. Whilst the hills remain there will always be a shepherd and his dog. Thank God for such precipitous and inaccessible places.'

'Nobody ever grows old merely by living a number of years. Years wrinkle the skin, but to give up one's enthusiasm wrinkles the soul.'

'The wind had done its job well. It had left a world swept clear of noisome vapours, and in these days of belching chimneys and fumes from a million engines it is something for which we should feel grateful.'

'I wonder whether our ears would be more serviceable if they stood out from the head and could turn in all directions, even as a horse's ears do. Perhaps their delicacy has been coarsened by hearing too many motor -horns and the ceaseless grind of civilisation's machinery.'

'Only human beings have motives, so they alone can be cruel.'

What else can members expect?

A very high quality magazine is issued free to all members each year. There are also four newsletters per year, which keep everyone up-to-date with the latest news.

The Romany memorial grant sponsors a young person to attend an organised natural history course. The objective of this is to perpetuate Romany's memory and ideals and to introduce the man and his philosophies to the younger generation. The Watch Club assists the Society in finding a person who might not otherwise be able to attend. Your membership and support of our fund-raising events will provide the means to continue this worthwhile cause.

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