A small children’s fan club badge issued by the Romany Society. The badge shows an image of Romany’s dog called Raq and the club’s initials R.S.

Raq was a blue roan (silver and grey) English cocker spaniel. The Romany Society was set up in memory of Romany after his death in 1943 and continued until 1965. A Romany appreciation society was re-established in 1996 with Terry Waite as patron and Mrs Romany Watt (Romany’s daughter) and is still active.

Romany was a pseudonym of Rev. George Bramwell Evans (1884-1943) who was a well known author of wildlife books that included the ‘Out with Romany’ series and wrote many newspaper articles about the countryside and its wildlife too. His works were aimed at educating children and had a considerable following. From 1932 to 1943 he had his own radio show called ‘Out with Romany’ on the BBC Children’s Hour and always accompanied by his travel companion, Raq.

References:

• Romany Appreciation Society website
• biographical article on George Bramwell Evans
• Romany’s involvement with the BBC and Terry Waite

• Enamels: 2 (green & white).
• Finish: n/a.
• Material: White metal.
• Fixer: Buttonhole (horseshoe shaped clasp).
• Size: 5/8” across x 5/8” down (about 16mm x 16mm).
• Process: Die-stamped.
• Maker: No maker’s name or mark.