Saturday 8th December 2012. – Its showtime. The day started early with a 7.20am live interview on BBC Radio Berkshire. Apparently I sounded as if I had just woken up… which I had. I put on my ‘temporary’ livery and got to the Guildhall in Windsor where at midday I ‘cried’ the opening of the…
Town Crier’s Neckwear
Well this is turning int a learning experience. The frilly thing worn around the neck is called a Jabot. I only know this because the Mayor told me. They evolved from the frilly lace edging on shirts of the seventeenth century. One story is that they became a political mark of allegiance during the civil…
More detailed ideas
Last night I dreamt about coats and waistcoats. Woke with my head spinning. Had to get up and put it all down on paper just so I could get back to sleep.
Town Crier Cartoons
Here is a cruel but brilliant cartoon of a town crier. It was found on the back page of a copy of a children’s book, “The history of Old Mother Hubbard and her dog” by Sarah Catherine Martin 1768-1826. I like the pocket details. I a series of Max Fleischer cartoons from the late 30s and…
Hat fitting
Firstly it became clear yesterday that I have a strange shaped head. I visited Ascot Top Hats where the brilliant and irrepressible Doug Simpson placed this top-hat shaped contraption head to measure its exact shape. The big heavy wood and brass machine, itself a stunning piece of victoriana, punches pinholes in a card which show the hatter…
The first part of my livery arrives
The first part of my livery arrived in the post today. Looking at other town criers and watching the Remembrance Sunday parades last week I noticed that every dress uniform seems to include white gloves. I looked about online and got a proper pair of cotton gloves as worn by … practically everyone in a…
Local Tailors
Got talking to local tailors at the weekend. Tom Brown’s have been at Number One, Eton High Street since 1784. They have a hidden back room that still retains the original wallpaper! The place is amazing. They have special uniforms that are over 100 years old that are still in use at Eton College.
My first thoughts about a livery
One of my first jobs as Windsor and Maidenhead’s new Town Crier is to get kitted out in official town crier livery (the correct name for the costume worn by town criers). Having discussed colours for the new livery I would really like the Borough’s purple to make an appearance in the design. After doing…
Mini media frenzy
Since my appointment was announced on 5th Nov 2012 the phone has hardly stopped ringing. Loads of journalists seeking quotes and a few radio interviews too. Had a great chat with Chris Brown, the Rock and Roll Town Crier from Wimborne Minster. He has been involved with both the Polyphonic Spree and The Flaming Lips, two of…
First thoughts on becoming a town crier
Wow! What have I let myself in for? I was up against some stiff competition from the three other finalists and was so sure that one of the other applicants would get the role that I can hardly believe it has turned out to be me that got the job. I feel genuinely honoured and thrilled to…