This is one of more than 40 stories that make up the "Gypsy, Roma and Traveller Storybook" published by NATT+. It is a result of the National Storytelling competition run as part of Gypsy Roma Traveller History Month 2009.
Key Stage 2 (lower) Winner
A Journey to Appleby
By Freya from Northumberland
I am a horse called Buttons. OK, OK, I might have been a tiny bit naughty at Appleby but I couldn’t help it. It started off on the way. Sam (10) was helping the two twins Fearne and Rosie (3) in the new bow top wagon while their Mum was stressing out, while I was just sitting there (poor me). When finally, we got going I was starting to get tired after standing there for half an hour so I thought, “Just a little stop for a nibble. Won’t hurt anyone.” That’s where I was wrong.
“Buttons,” shouted Mum.
“Buttons,” sighed Sam.
“BUTTONS!” screamed Rosie and Fearne laughing.
After that I ended up getting slapped and told to go on. After two more hours it was getting dark. So, we went in a really little café. Well, I didn’t. The man that worked in the café said we could stay on the field around the back of the café. That night was grand. I was lying under the wagon nibbling grass while the rest of the people were asleep.
The next day we set off again me knowing I couldn’t be naughty. After eight more hours we got there and we picked our spot.
OK, OK, maybe when we got in the river I threw Sam off my back, but it wasn’t my fault, he was slapping me too hard, and OK, OK, I scared one of the twins ’til it threw up but that was no reason to sell me … especially for only £301!
I hated my new family, Norman (posh, 9), Stephanie (cries all the time, 1). The twins weren’t happy that I was leaving. They cried and cried but it didn’t work. I tried to be naughty by biting their dog, kicking Stephanie and knocking over their fire on legs but nothing worked. They always said, “Ah, clumsy Buttons.”
I’m happy with my family now, but I sometimes miss my old one.
Oh, and by the way I’ve got a nice stable and got back to a place called Bedlington safely (and I behaved). But most of all, I can’t wait for Appleby next year!
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Gypsy, Roma and Traveller Storybook is a 48 page, full-colour paperback book contains more than 40 short stories. Many are illustrated by the authors.