OYEZ! OYEZ! OYEZ! I Am A Town Crier.

I am very proud and pleased to have been appointed as the Town Crier for Burgh Le Marsh which, for those of you that don't know, is a small town 5 miles inland from my home town of Skegness.

After appearing before the AGM of the Town Council Friday last and doing a presentation I was voted in by the Town Councillors. Now it is all hands to the pump to get up and running.

Lots of things to do. Source a livery, the clothing that is worn, including a tricorn hat and a bell.

A plain tricorn, 3 cornered hat, generally worn in the 18th and early19th century.

When I started to investigate, I was surprised to find that there is no official type of livery for Town Criers, it is entirely up to the individual as to what is worn. I shall be going for something very traditional such as this shown here.

The Town Crier of the City of Plymouth.

I am planning a coat in Lincoln Green with a yellow waistcoat to reflect the county of Lincolnshire and also the fact that I am a true "yellah belly", a person born and bred in the county. There are several schools of thought as to why the people of Lincolnshire are referred to as "yellah bellies" but the one I prefer is the name was derived from the yellow waistcoat worn by soldiers of the old Lincolnshire army regiments.
I will finish the livery off with a pair of off-white breeches and white hose, with black shoes in a regency style.

In the short-term I shall need to hire a livery as it takes some time for a tailor or in my case a seamstress to create this type of outfit and there are already a few pressing engagements being lined up for me to attend in the very near future.

So what does a Town Crier actually do? Well a lot of shouting if the truth be known but much more than that. If you are an official Town Crier, then you support the community that has appointed you. This would include attending civic functions, community events such as garden parties, fetes, carnivals etc. and charity events such as fund raisers providing interest, colour and humour to the event. There is also a requirement to make public announcements in the street, providing information and news in a traditional fashion that can be traced back to the time of the Romans.

In addition it is important to ensure that you promote the Town you represent in a positive manner wherever and whenever the opportunity arises.

There is also scope to perform at commercial events and events that are not directly related to the community that you represent. These can include Master-Of-Ceremonies, After Dinner Speaking, Speaking To Groups and Organisations, Product Launches, Openings, Country Shows and, I am sure, other things that I have not yet identified.

I am in the process of applying to become a member of the Ancient and Honourable Guild Of Town Criers which is the oldest Town Crier organisation and, if my application is accepted, I am looking forward to becoming an active member and entering some of the Town Crier Competitions that are organised by the Guild. More information can be seen at http://www.ahgtc.org.uk/

I believe this could be a very exciting and enjoyable opportunity for me, indeed a whole new lease of life, and I cannot wait until I am kitted out and ready to begin my journey as the Town Crier for Burgh Le Marsh.

Keep your eye out for me, or more likely your ears out for me, as I may be coming to a venue near you!

OYEZ, OYEZ, OYEZ. GOD SAVE THE QUEEN!