3-3-16 Newcastle Crier to Brownies

Gordon, the Newcastle under Lyme Crier, visited our Brownies recently to explain what he did as a voluntary job, and about the Championship competition happening on the 16th April.

Starting at the Cenotaph at 10.30 am, the Town Crier Championship procession will be led by Porthill Scout Band. Included in the parade will be the Mayor, Councillor Sandra Hambleton, her Consort, Councillor Trevor Hambleton, the Newcastle Under Lyme Town Crier, Gordon Brayford, John and Janet Parsons, Nantwich Town Criers and organisers of the championship, fellow invited Town Criers, Alsagers Bank and Halmer End Brownies, and Audley Cub Pack.

The Brownies have also taken on the challenge of drawing and painting a part of the Town Crier and the winner will be announced at the event on the 16th April.

Gordon shared with us that he had been the Crier for 2 years, and was appointed by the Mayor. He shared the history of this post, by explaining to the Brownies that it came about 200 years ago in the 18th century when people couldn't read or write. It was the job of the Crier to read out proclamations in the centre of their town.

The outfit he wore was a Red Regalia and his hat had feathers in which represented the quill pen. Once the Crier read the proclamation, it was stuck on a post and this is where the idea of "delivering the post" came from.

http://www.visitnewcastleunderlyme.co.uk/event/loyal-and-ancient-borough-newcastle-under-lyme-town-crier-championship-2016.11