Groundbreaking Atchin Tan Heritage Project to Preserve British Romanichal History in Cheshire
Nantwich, Cheshire – The Atchin Tan Heritage Project, created by Pride of Romany, is set to make history by preserving the rich and often overlooked legacy of British Romanichal families who lived on Sound Common for generations. This groundbreaking project will include a documentary, a Romanichal Heritage Day, and a permanent plaque, ensuring that our people’s history is acknowledged, celebrated, and passed down for future generations.
For too long, British Romanichal history has been at risk of erasure due to assimilation and misrepresentation. The Atchin Tan Heritage Project will set the record straight, ensuring that the true history of our people is preserved by those who have lived it.
Honouring Our Heritage: Documentary, Heritage Day & Permanent Plaque
• A powerful documentary capturing the voices of Romanichal families, past and present, preserving oral histories and cultural traditions.
• A Romanichal Heritage Day to bring the community together, celebrating our shared history and identity.
• A permanent plaque at Sound Common—approved by Cheshire East Council—ensuring that Romanichal history in this area is officially recognized and remembered.
Charmaine Karim, founder of Pride of Romany, is the great-granddaughter of Charlotte Smith, a famed Phuri Dai whose wisdom and leadership are noted throughout British Romanichal history books. She spoke on the importance of this project:
"For generations, Sound Common was home to British Romanichal families. This project is about more than just history—it’s about identity, belonging, and recognition. We refuse to let our ancestors' stories be erased. We are preserving them for our children and our children’s children, so they know exactly where they came from and who they are. This is for us, by us."
A Legacy for Future Generations
The significance of this project reaches far beyond the present. Anna-Marie Smith Clark, great-granddaughter of Freedom Smith, another renowned Phuri Dai, highlighted the importance of preserving Romanichal history:
"Our history is at risk of being lost, but we won’t let that happen. The Atchin Tan Heritage Project will stand as a testament to the lives, struggles, and triumphs of our ancestors. It’s vital that future generations can look back and see where they come from, so they can walk forward with pride in who they are."
Get Involved – Share Your Story
Pride of Romany is calling for participants to share their memories, photographs, and family histories. If your family lived or stopped at Sound Common, we want to hear from you. This is your history, your legacy, and your chance to be part of something truly historic.
We extend our deepest gratitude to Historic England and John Henry Phillips for recognizing the significance of this work and supporting our vision for preserving British Romanichal history.
Want to be part of history? Get in touch!
If your family has connections to Sound Common and you want to be involved in this project, please reach out to Pride of Romany.
Contact email: prideofromani@gmail.com
TT News
(Photograph: A young girl - a great-great-granddaughter of Charlotte Smith - walks in Sound Common. Courtesy of Pride of Romany)