Hailsham's new town crier gets ready for jubilee festivities

Terry Tozer, who was appointed town crier for Hailsham in March following the retirement of Geoff Rowe after 12 years in the post, is looking forward to assisting the council and its partners to promote community events, welcome dignitaries to the town and introduce an element of pageantry to special occasions.

Terry said: “I am really very proud and honoured to have been chosen to represent Hailsham in carrying on the ancient and very British tradition of town crier and hope to do my very best to serve my community well in all its activities and celebrations.

“I am jumping right in at the deep end next week with the start of Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee festivities. God save the Queen.”

Town criers Jane and Terry

Terry’s new and bespoke livery is made from doeskin wool, provided by the same wool mill which supplies the Coldstream Guards with the material for their livery.

Livery maker and Bognor town crier Jane Smith welcomed Terry into his new role and said: “It’s always a pleasure to make liveries - and this one didn’t disappoint.

“The doeskin was a fabulous fabric to work with that always looks stunning.”

There are over 200 town criers in the UK, representing towns and cities across the country, communicating to the public in the oldest method - word of mouth.

Town clerk John Harrison said: “I am pleased that Hailsham is one of these places and is able to enhance the image of our market town by having a town crier.

“Terry was the ideal candidate for the role and, although former crier Geoff Rowe left big shoes to fill metaphorically, Terry will be carrying out his new role in a brand-new livery of his own thanks to the support of the council and, of course, the livery maker, who has given expert guidance from the outset.”

As well as promoting the town’s community events and festivities, the town crier can also be hired by individuals, groups, schools or commercial ventures for events, official openings and charity events.