The past few weeks have seen me do little else than beaver away in the library, working on the content of the education pack. I’m pleased with the progress that I’ve made with it. Seven of the nine sections that explore different elements of Gypsy/Romany/Traveller life have been drafted. There are teachers’ notes, suggested activities to use in lessons, and further resources to support the topics. The rest of the team is currently proofing these sections for me and providing their critical comments. I’m looking forward to reading their opinions and suggestions. I know that the content will change before publication, that’s inevitable. It might even change quite radically in some instances, but having so much definite material is giving me an enormous sense of satisfaction.

Unfortunately, however, I seem to have hit something of a brick wall with the two remaining sections. I’m not sure if this is because I have some kind of ‘burn out’ after producing the other sections in a whirl of creativity, or because they are so extensive and could be approached in such different ways that I don’t know where to start. Whatever the cause, ‘Identity’ and ‘Entertainment’ are languishing as unfinished documents and unfilled folders on my memory stick. This really isn’t so very satisfying. I’m finding myself staring at a blank page, or writing something only to delete it moments later. I will get there; but right now I’m frustrated.

Elsewhere, Dan has been editing scripts for the next series of Atching Tan; CJ has been preparing the accounts for the end of the financial year; Jane has been editing recordings at a rate that almost defies belief; and Sinead has actually been acquiring these recordings. It’s safe to say that we’ve been a busy bunch.

The weather here is glorious and I hope that it stays like this over the weekend. Two of my closest friends are getting married and I’m looking forward to celebrating this with them. But before then, I need to work on this education pack some more. Take care.

– Daniela

P.S. If you’re really interested, I’m wearing tangerine to the wedding.