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Yahoo
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Search is on to find Swindon's next town crier
The search is on for Swindon's next town crier. A competition will be held in the town centre later this month to determine who has the vocal chops to take over the role. The competition last ran at the Town Gardens during the Old Town Festival, with help from community radio station Swindon 105.5, when Fred Ferris won the title and carried out the role for 15 years until his death in 2013. He attended many civic and community events and anniversaries. His ceremonial bell and costume have been donated by his family and will be passed on to the new Town Crier by competition organisers. Recommended reading Tributes to "amazing" Swindon nan who died from sepsis after being discharged Swindon 105.5 station manager Shirley Ludford said: 'We're delighted to be hosting this initiative. 'Holding the event in the Town Centre brings together Old and New Town and through the town's community radio station. 'It is an exciting, unique local opportunity.' Old Town Business Association chair Kris Talikowski said: 'This competition marks a proud moment for Swindon. 'By reviving the role of Town Crier, we honour Fred's legacy and bring community spirit and tradition back into the heart of the town.' Entrants to the competition, which will be held on Saturday, August 25 at Wharf Green, must be aged over 18, and keen to take on a supported volunteer role. For more information, visit
Otago Daily Times
20-06-2025
- General
- Otago Daily Times
Town crying out for new town crier
PHOTO: YVONNE PICKFORD Hear ye! Hear ye! The town of Bluff is in need of a new town crier. The need has arisen after the town's previous crier, Justine Haenni, moved away recently. Ms Haenni was a valuable addition at many events, performing her role on various occasions both in Bluff and further afield, enhancing events and adding a sense of occasion to proceedings. As Ms Haenni has done in the past, anyone considering taking up the role would attend events in the Bluff Town Crier regalia and welcome guests, read short scripts prepared for the occasion, make announcements during events — anything that required speaking in public clearly and loudly. She was fluent in English, German and French so was ideally placed to communicate with a wide range of audiences but that was a bonus not a prerequisite, of anyone thinking of taking up the role, she said. The historical role of a town crier was to make public pronouncements in the streets, normally by ringing a bell to gain attention for the message they were about to deliver. Many towns around the world still had someone performing the role, these days as a unique feature at events and occasions.
