Alec the Gypsy and Sam the Horse

From the collection of

The Box

Established in 1992, the South West Film & Television Archive collection spans from 1893 to the present day containing more than 250,000 items. Formed from a variety of depositors, including broadcast news and programmes material from the Westward and TSW archive. In 2018 the archive collection transferred to The Box in Plymouth.

Alec the Gypsy and Sam the Horse (TSW Documentary)

Alec the Gypsy one of the last true Romani gypsies to make a living on the road.

Fifty nine year old Alec Draper is one of the last true Romani people who still makes a living on the road. Accompanied by his horse Sam, he travels the UK selling his homemade goods. This documentary explores many different aspects of Romani culture, including language, ideologies and lifestyles. Alec has always lived in his caravan and never collected dole money he prefers to live on the roadside with his trusty horse Sam selling the wooden carved objects he makes. Filmed by a two team camera crew who camped with him on the roadside, this is an honest portrayal of his life. In his own words he talks about the freedom of travelling and the sense of relationship with the land. He also talks to the public and tries to educate people on Romani Culture.

The Romani People, colloquially known as gypsies have largely been stereotyped as criminals and trouble makers by society. As with all ethnic minorities, it is a small percentage that give the majority a bad name. Most only wish to continue the traditions they have carried forward over hundreds of years. For a variety of reasons, Romani people do not disclose their ethnicity on census records, but there is estimated to be between two to twenty million Romani people throughout the world.

Tags

From the collection

Local Characters of the South West

Uncover some of the quirkier folk in the South West.

Our archives are full of larger-than-life characters, each with their own unique story to tell. From the entrepreneurial kiss-o-gram to the Christmas Lunch in June enthusiast, these locals are guaranteed to entertain and inspire. From a rebel pensioner resisting a hosepipe ban to a lady who loves to walk her pet deer, get ready to meet some of the most memorable and eccentric individuals to have graced the south west news.

22 videos in this collection

Watch in libraries only

Futurework Part 1

  • Hatherleigh
  • 1986
Watch in libraries only

Futurework Part 2

  • Ilfracombe
  • 1986
Watch in libraries only

Alec the Gypsy and Sam the Horse

  • St Agnes
  • 1991
Watch in libraries only

One and All: A Question of Cornwall pt 3

  • Truro
  • 1989
Watch in libraries only

Green Arrows

  • Dinnington
  • 1986
Watch in libraries only

School Granny

  • Cornwall
  • 1987
Watch in libraries only

Rally Granny

  • Upwey
  • 1988
Watch in libraries only

Unlucky Thirteen

  • Shaldon
  • 1989
Watch in libraries only

Seaside Christmas in June

  • Sidmouth
  • 1988
Watch in libraries only

Smoker's Habits

  • Plymouth
  • 1988
Watch in libraries only

Hose Pipe ban

  • Devon
  • 1989
Watch in libraries only

Fisherman Turns Artist

  • Brixham
  • 1986
Watch in libraries only

Honeymoon Couple

  • Dartmoor
  • 1987
Watch in libraries only

Phone Lady

  • Polgooth
  • 1986
Watch in libraries only

Gulf Doctor

  • 1991
Watch in libraries only

Charlie Chaplin Boy

  • Paignton
  • 1992
Watch in libraries only

One Hundredth Holiday

  • Isles of Scilly
  • 1989
Watch in libraries only

I am not a Hippie, I am a Traveller

  • Bodmin Moor
  • 1989
Watch in libraries only

Fighting to Save Gay and Lesbian Prayer Book

  • Plymouth
  • 1992
Watch in libraries only

Chess Supremo

  • Truro
  • 1988
Watch in libraries only

Corrupt Council

  • Launceston
  • 1992
Watch in libraries only

Woman Wheelwright

  • Webbington
  • 1991
View full collection