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Worthing’s New Town Crier
Bob Smytherman is the official Town Crier for Worthing, West Sussex a role re-
The last Town Crier Philip Holliday hung up his bell in the mid 1990’s after being appointed to civic office in 1980. For nearly 20 years Worthing has not had a Town Crier and the Worthing Town Centre Initiative, a business led organisation, felt this was a missed opportunity.
Bob Smytherman was Mayor of the Borough of Worthing from 2013 to 2014 and was known as #coolmayor as his use of social media catapulted the mayoral role into the 21st Century and to a new younger demographic. Bob was a very popular Mayor who carried out a record number of civic duties and became the People’s Mayor with his friendly approachable manner. In 2014 Bob was asked to take part in the Community Play and was given the role of Town Crier; a role he then offered to continue for the Town
The Town Crier role is not a paid position and Bob volunteers his services to the Worthing Town Centre Initiative who provide the administration and cover the costs of the role, which includes the upkeep of the regalia and bell.
Don’t Forget the Mayor of Worthing can also be booked for events to find out more click here
More about Town Criers
Originally a town crier, or bellman, was an officer of the court who made public pronouncements as required by the court. The role developed to include making public announcements in the streets with the Criers dressing in elaborately decorated robes, white breeches, black boots and a tricorn hat. Town Criers carry a handbell to attract people's attention, as they shout the words "Oyez, Oyez, Oyez!" before making their announcements. The word "Oyez" means "hear ye," which is a call for silence and attention. Oyez derives from the Anglo-
In 2010 there were 144 towns in England and Wales with town criers registered with the Ancient and Honorable Guild of Town Criers and today they mainly perform ceremonial duties for their Town.
Worthing Town Centre Initiative…
The Worthing Town Centre Initiative is a not for profit Community Interest Company Co No. 6977508. The company has an objective of developing an interesting and vibrant Town Centre that public want to visit and businesses thrive. We encourage businesses to invest in the Town in which they trade to provide a safe and clean town with lot of free events and activities for the public. All the Directors invest their town free of charge and the organisation does not make a profit but invests its funds in the Town. The Town Crier will help to promote Worthing, provide an attraction to Worthing Charities at no charge and will also generate funds for charities from his commercial services.
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