Resident Owain Cole has been appointed as Malmesbury’s new Town Crier and is preparing to officiate at his first event at the annual Remembrance Parade which will take place on Sunday November 9.
The town council appealed for a new town crier some weeks ago as the current mayor Cllr Stephen James felt that such a ceremonial role was important for the town. Interviews and auditions were held and Owain, who lives in the parish of St Paul Without, was chosen.
Owain said: “I always think you should try and give something back to the community you live in, and I have volunteered over the years as a member of Malmesbury St Paul Without Parish Council, Malmesbury Residents Association, the Carnival Committee, Chair for the Malmesbury Scouts, and recently the Scarecrow trail team.
“The Town Crier is an interesting role because it's more about being an ambassador combined with bringing to life a piece of local history and tradition, which should help bring tourists to Malmesbury. I'm also happy to have a position where my only responsibility is to walk about, ring a bell, and speak very loudly!”
Owain is originally from Twyning, near Tewkesbury and he moved with his family to the Malmesbury area 15 years ago. He works as a product owner for a telecoms company.
“I am happy at public speaking and dressing up in a costume due to my stage work (I sing in the Bristol Gilbert and Sullivan Society with annual theatre performances). At the moment I'm unclear what the good people of Malmesbury and visitors will make of me. I'm hoping they will find me approachable, friendly, and I would encourage people to come and say ‘hello’ if they see me wandering about. The costume is also very red, so it's not like I can be missed!”
History shows there have been many town criers in Malmesbury dating back as far as at least 1859. That first town crier was listed as Boyce May who was a labourer born in 1783. He was succeeded by his son John May and then the surname ‘May’ recurred up to George May to 1923. There was then a gap and there have been various town criers between 1986 and 2014.
Town mayor Cllr Stephen James said: “I am delighted to welcome Owain as our new Town Crier. Social media, print, radio and TV are all effective ways of communicating with Malmesbury residents, but sometimes nothing beats a loud voice saying something witty and relevant. I wish Owain great success in his new role.”
Owain will now make up a trio of important ceremonial roles which celebrate Malmesbury, its culture and heritage. These are the current town mayor Cllr Stephen James and the Macebearer, Steve Caygill who has held the post for the last three years.
