Ray Wills’ latest book, Heather for Your Luck, My Dear, offers an original and historical account of Gypsy Traveller life in the heart of Thomas Hardy’s Dorset. This non-fiction work transports readers through the hills of Purbeck and the market towns and villages of the county, painting a vivid picture of a way of life that has existed for generations.
For centuries, Gypsy Traveller families have called the greater Canford and Turbary common heather lands home. Their communities thrived in areas such as Poole, Newtown, Branksome, Alderney, Kinson, Wareham, Christchurch, Corfe Mullen, and Bere Regis. Their encampments bore evocative names like Heavenly Bottom, Gallows Hill, Stoney Bottoms, and Monkeys Hump, each carrying its own history and tales of the past.
A Rich Tapestry of Skills and Trades
Many of these Travelling people were skilled artisans, excelling in a variety of trades. They were horse traders, showmen, stallholders, and builders of swing boats. Others found their livelihoods in brick making, pottery, ironmongery, clay cutting, and sand and gravel work. Some, such as those in Newtown, Poole, even gained recognition in the boxing world, becoming world champions and celebrities. The contribution of Gypsy Travellers to local industry and culture was both significant and enduring.
A Book Enriched with Poetry and Photography
What sets Heather for Your Luck My Dear apart is the way Ray Wills intertwines his historical accounts with poetry, lending a lyrical and evocative depth to the narrative. The book is further complemented by photographs of well-known local figures and places, bringing the past to life for modern readers.
About the Author: Ray Wills, The Gypsy Poet
Ray Wills, affectionately known as the Gypsy Poet, is a respected authority on Travelling life and traditions. At 75 years old, he has written several acclaimed works, including Where the River Bends, Gypsy Storyteller, and The Gypsy Camp. His passion for history and storytelling is evident not only in his accounts of Gypsy culture but also in his study of playpark history and anthologies of poetry.
A Journey Through Romani Traditions
From rural campfires to bustling seaside promenades, Ray Wills offers readers an authentic glimpse into Romani traditions and the resilience of the Gypsy Traveller communities. Heather for Your Luck My Dear is more than a historical account—it is a tribute to a culture rich in skill, artistry, and enduring spirit.
For those interested in Dorset’s history, Romani traditions, or simply the poetic beauty of a vanishing way of life, this book is a must-read.
(Images courtesy of Ray Wills)
All Ray Wills’ books can be purchased through Amazon: Amazon.co.uk: Ray Wills: books, biography, latest update
