Traveller Magistrates

This year, we went to Appleby Fair in an old mini bus I had bought earlier in the year, writes Weardale Gazette editor Anita Atkinson.

My son converted it into a type of camper van and we hitched up the cattle truck with a horse and cart inside. We made our way over the Pennines from our home in County Durham and parked on a grass verge overnight.

We cooked sausages on a camp fire and enjoyed hot cups of smoky tea. In the morning, we hitched up the mare and set off around Appleby; along the flashing lane, up the hill and around the town. Later, we took the mare down to the river and had great fun riding her into the water, time and again in the glorious sunshine.

No, I am not a Traveller. In fact, I am the editor of our local newspaper, a magistrate and Deputy Lord Lieutenant of the County. I have three grown-up children and my husband is a farmer with a special interest in horses and breeding them.

I was happy to meet Bill Laws, the editor of this wonderful publication, Travellers’ Times, at this year’s Fair.  Bill was more than a little surprised when I told him I had read the Travellers’ Times before – in the magistrates’ retiring room. Yes, we magistrates in County Durham think it is very important to understand the way of life of travelling families as well as their history. We have even had a training session – see how clued up we are?

Magistrates come from all walks of life, all social backgrounds and from all cultures but I don’t know of a Traveller Magistrate. So why not? Travellers can apply to become a magistrate just the same as anyone else.

So, how, why and who? The latter is easy – as long as you are of good character, are not an undischarged bankrupt and are 18 years old or over, you are eligible. You must be able to commit to at least 26 half days a year and are required to swear the Oath of Allegiance to Her Majesty The Queen.

The how is easy too. If you have access to the internet then you can complete the application form on line at http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/crimejusticeandthelaw/becomingamagistrate/index.htm

Or if you do not have access to the internet, paper application forms can be obtained from Malcolm Johnson, Magistrates Recruitment Coordinator - 020 3334 3286 or malcolm.johnson@justice.gsi.gov.uk.  (Please check with your local court first as to whether there are any vacancies in the area).

Prospective magistrates must demonstrate six competences: good character; understanding and communication; social awareness; maturity and sound temperament; commitment and reliability.

The answer to why is many faceted and really depends on the individual but if you have an interest in justice and seeing it done in your community then this is the position for you. You would be contributing to upholding the law and making your community a safer place; contributing to the reform and rehabilitation of offenders; helping offenders to make reparation to those affected by their offences.

There are also personal benefits to be had like developing skills, such as decision-making, communicating and team-working, which can benefit your career and your employer; developing an understanding of your local community and social issues; gaining a working knowledge of the law and building self-confidence

If you are interested in this position, try visiting your local magistrates’ court and sit in the public gallery to see what happens there. Travellers represent the largest minority group in Europe and you should be represented in the magistracy – so go on, think about it seriously and let’s see more Travellers on the bench!

Anita Atkinson JP DL