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One producer, one randomly generated postcode, and the search for an unheard story.

One producer, one randomly generated postcode, and an unheard story unfolding in a corner of Britain we wouldn't otherwise know about.

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The Patch: St Mary Cray

St Mary Cray

BBC Radio 4 - The Patch, St Mary Cray

One of the largest settled Romani communities in the UK and an extraordinary cemetery

The random postcode generator leads Polly Weston to one of the largest settled communities of Romani travellers in Europe and an extraordinary cemetery

One random postcode, and a story you probably haven't heard before.

When producer Polly Weston arrives, she is met by a blocked road. Storms have brought down an enormous tree in the cemetery and taken out a wall, blocking her way into the postcode. A small crowd had gathered. It turns out, the cemetery is known locally as the travellers' resting place. St Mary Cray is thought to have one of the largest settled communities of Romani travellers in the UK. 

Social media is full of disparaging comments about the road which the cemetery sits on, but conversations with locals tell a very different story. Initially struck by how the cemetery is cared for by the local community, Polly discovers a hidden history, and a culture around death and bereavement which is thought provoking and unique.

Produced and Presented in Bristol by Polly Weston
Mixed by Ilse Lademann
Editor: Chris Ledgard
Commissioning Editor: Dan Clarke

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