THE memory of a gipsy preacher and broadcaster, known simply as Romany, who delighted listeners to the BBC's Children's Hour, is still burning brightly.

Though it's now more than half a century since his death, a Romany society, based on Merseyside, is busying itself looking for artefacts, books, recordings and people's memories of this gentle gipsy whose real name was the Rev. George Bramwell Evans, a Methodist minister who presented memorable word pictures encapsulating the world of hedgerow, leafy lane, riverbank and open countryside.

St Helens was among places he visited, preaching to packed congregations during the 1930s and 40s, always accompanied by his faithful spaniel Raq (the Romany word for beloved dog).

He also had a horse to pull his vardo (caravan) which, in his quiet whimsical way, he christened Comma - because she never came to a full stop!

Among his most ardent schoolgirl fans was Barbara Perrian of Clock Face Road, Clock Face, who set the old Romany theme rolling across this page some months ago, attracting sheaves of response from other mature readers who had also tuned in to those after-school 'Out with Romany' broadcasts.

Romany's programmes, with their countryside sound effects, left an impression upon Barbara which has lasted throughout her life, so she was delighted to receive a magazine, 'Best of British', devoting a lengthy spread to the life and times of the inimitable broadcaster.

It prompted her to forward a little update on her previous correspondence, plus details of the Romany Society which first began shortly after his death, faded around 1965 but has now been re-kindled with Terry Waite as patron and the broadcaster's daughter, Romany Watt, as president.

A memorial bird bath stands at the farm near Penrith which featured in his books and articles and where his ashes were scattered by his widow, Eunice.

It bears the inscription: 'Sacred to the memory of Rev G. Bramwell Evans, Romany of the BBC.... Born 1884, died 20 November, 1943. He loved birds and trees and flowers and the wind on the heath'.

Amazingly, Romany's vardo still exists, located in the Romany Memorial Garden in Wilmslow. Anyone who would like to know more about the Romany Society, or can contribute to their collection of artefacts and information (they'd particularly love to unearth any 'Out With Romany' recordings) could contact Phil Shelley, publications officer, The Romany Society, 35 Apollo Way, Netherton, Merseyside L30 7PH.