New town crier needed - as major transformation is almost ready for unveiling
Newton Abbot has been trying to recruit a new town crier for eight months
The search is on for Newton Abbot's next town crier - with the town's multi-million market hall restoration about to be finished and concerns if no volunteers come forward there won't be anyone to make the announcement
Whilst a historic role, there's no restrictions in terms of age or gender for the role and the previous crier left the role eight months ago.
The tradition of shouting proclamations in the street on everything from tax changes to Royal news, dates back centuries
"It’s a wonderful historic role and something we’re very keen to keep going," said Mayor Cllr Colin Parker.
"Residents and visitors alike love seeing and hearing a crier, it’s another reason why the high street is so much more rewarding than online shopping.
"We’ll provide the uniform, cover travel expenses and guarantee a warm welcome to the Newton Abbot team.
"It’s a unique opportunity to be part of the town’s long history and keep a centuries-old tradition alive into the twenty-first century.
"It also comes at a time when our Victorian market hall is nearing the end of its multi-million pound makeover and new traders are preparing to move in.
"There’s plenty to shout about in Newton Abbot, we just need someone to help with the shouting."
The town crier tradition across Britain dates back centuries, predating widespread literacy and newspapers. They typically began their announcement by calling ‘Oyez! Oyez! Oyez!’, a phrase which means ‘listen’ and is derived from Norman French.
In Newton Abbot, the crier is appointed by the town council as a custodian of tradition and civic pride.
They appear at local events including the annual Newton Abbot Town Criers’ Competition, held each September, when criers from across the region gather to compete in vocal delivery, presentation and dress.
Newton Abbot’s crier before last, the late Ken Purchase, took on the role after responding to an advertisement. He went on not only to become an ambassador for the town, attending competitions abroad with his wife Dulcie, but also served on the town council and was elected Mayor in 2018.
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