I was inspired to have a go at becoming a Town Crier after watching my mentor and great hero, the former World Champion Mike Andrews and applied to become his deputy in 1998. Wimborne Minster appointed me Town Mayor’s Serjant to give me a role in the civic life of the town and to deputise for Mike. I have also represented Pamphill & Shapwick (East Dorset) in a number of competitions since being trained by Mike and recently have been appointed T.C. of Wimborne Minster following Mike’s move to represent Ferndown.

I have all ways been a bit of a show off who loved dressing up and shouting loudly, for the last twenty years I have been active in The Sealed Knot Society where I could do all of the above and fire a black powder musket! In Wimborne we have fairly recently resurrected the tradition of a town Militia, based upon the 1685 early Dorset Regiment, “The Duke of Beaufort’s Musketeers”. The Militia can be seen at civic events in Wimborne and further afield (bookings now being taken!) where we join with other groups to promote interest in the Dorset & Somerset (Monmouth) Rebellion.

There are many reasons why I love being a Town crier, it is an incredible honour to represent one’s town and attend civic functions meeting a huge cross section of interesting and diverse people. I enjoy performing my duties with the assistance of the Town Mayor’s Corporal my son Alfred (age 13) who is becoming imbued with this great way of life!

I also love traditions and folk lore and am keen to see what we have survive and those things we used to enjoy, but are long gone, re-kindled for future generations. I am eternally grateful for the friendship and support amongst the Town Criers and when we get together at events, we bring our respective communities that much closer together. If I can bring a smile to another’s face then my efforts are rewarded.

May God continue to Bless Dorset and God Save The Queen!