An historic bell was presented to Burnham-On-Sea’s new town crier during a ceremony to mark his appointment on Monday (May 6th).
Alistair Murray has been chosen to take on the traditional role and promote local events in Burnham during the tourist season.
During Monday’s May Day event in Burnham’s Marine Cove gardens, he was presented with a school bell from the town’s former St Christopher’s School.
He is pictured being handed the bell by Ken Hindle, Chairman of Burnham Community Centre.
Ken told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “We were given the bell about four years ago to look after it. It had been used in the school right up until it closed in 2003.”
“We have kept it safely but with the appointment of a Town Crier now seems an ideal time to bring it back into use.”
Alastair, who is a drama enthusiast who performs with several local groups, said he is “greatly honoured” to have been picked for the role. “I am looking forward to a busy summer and just hope my voice holds out!” he said.
Burnham Town Team’s Gaynor Brown, who oversaw the appointment, told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “The town crier is a traditional, voluntary role that has been sadly missing in recent years and we think it will be great in helping to promote events and boost business in Burnham.”
The town crier will shout a list of daily events in four locations across Burnham town centre to promote local events in Burnham.
Burnham’s new town crier with Ken Hindle and the Town Team’s Gaynor Brown and Linda Bullimore at Monday’s event
