O Kalo chiriclo - by Bob Lovell

The Kalo chiriclo (Gypsy bird) is very important to us Romany folk.

The bird is an omen to us. 

On seeing one on the roadside flitting about it means that soon we meet other Romany along the way.

This is true, in 2022 as I had been picked up at Heathrow Airport after having flown from New Zealand and then driven to Wales - we stopped for a coffee and something to eat at a roadside place.

As I stepped out of the car – within a foot of me on the grass verge was a Wagtail.

O Kalo chiriclo ----- I knew my stay in south Wales would be a good and safe one and I would meet other Romany. I met relations I had never met on earlier visits.

So, all tatcho – true!

Sketch and words © Bob Lovell

Bob Lovell, now in his seventies, is a Romany sailor, musician, artist and a lifetime veteran Romany rights campaigner who lives in New Zealand - but who has family roots in south Wales.

Read more about Bob Lovell in his own words here: My Passions: Sailing boats and Music. By Bob Lovell, 2024 | Travellers Times

And our interview in 2022 here: “Leaves on the wind” - Welsh Kale campaigner and elder Bob Lovell | Travellers Times