'Long overdue' plaque honours site's Romany past

Cheshire East Council's deputy leader Michael Gorman says recognition for the Romany community's links with Sound Common is long overdue

A commemorative plaque has been unveiled to honour British Romany families at a site they were forcibly removed from in the 1960s.

The "long overdue" unveiling ceremony at Sound Common, near Nantwich in Cheshire, was "a powerful moment of recognition and remembrance", a spokesperson for Cheshire East Council said.

It was part of a day of celebrations, which included a film premiere and exhibition as well as an evening black-tie reception.

The Pride of Romany charity founder Charmaine Abdul Karim, whose mother was born at the site, said: "Romany families lived on Sound Common for multi generations, and their stories deserve to be told with dignity and respect."

She added the project had been "a labour of love". "It honours the memory of our ancestors and their resilience in the face of eradication and assimilation attempts."

Records show Romany Gypsies lived on Sound Common from the 16th Century after emigrating from India.

The site, which was known as an atchin tan, or stopping place, was home to hundreds of families over the years, Mrs Abdul-Karim said.

They were born there and many would live there until they died, after which their wagons and possessions would be burned as part of the Romanichal funeral rite.

'Struggles honoured'

The event on Monday highlighted the stories of families who lived on the common for generations before their eviction in the 1960s, organisers said.

The unveiling ceremony was attended by community elders, representatives from Historic England as well as local councillors.

Cheshire East Council deputy leader Michael Gorman said: "This plaque is more than a marker - it's a symbol of truth, dignity, and long-overdue recognition.

"The Romanichal community has contributed richly to the cultural fabric of Cheshire, and we honour their stories, their struggles, and their strength."

The charity is dedicated to preserving Romany Gypsy culture and heritage through exhibitions, educational workshops, and training.