Oyez, Oyez, Oyez – Shaw’s town crier has delivered his final proclamations on behalf of the town.
Initially, Andrew Powell agreed to do the job for 12 months.
But 29 years later he was still in the ceremonial role – until earlier this month when he opted to retire from the voluntary position
Now, a successor is sought, with Andrew agreeing to pass on his advice and experience when the baton and bell officially change hands.
“Andrew has handed back his regalia and I have since written to thank him for all his help and dedication,” clerk Tony Hilton told the February meeting of Shaw and Crompton Parish Council.
“However, if the Parish Council is minded to find a replacement he would be more than happy to be involved in any recruitment.
“He would like to explain in detail to any prospective, new town crier what the role entails.”
Applications are now being accepted for a new town crier.
Anyone interested or would like to discover what the post entails is asked to contact Parish Council clerk Tony Hilton at 1 Kershaw Street East, Shaw, Oldham, OL2 8AB or by email to:
clerk.shawcrompc@btconnect.com
Andrew, who lives in Shaw, undertook hundreds of duties during nearly 30 years of service and was inducted into the Loyal Company of Town Criers.
Just over five years ago the first Metrolink tram pulled into Shaw stop.
There to greet the first passengers around 7am on Sunday, December was Andrew in all his finery.
He has been a regular at Shaw Town Centre’s annual Christmas lights switch-on.
And his duties weren’t always confined to Shaw and Crompton. In 2000, he was invited by Ramsbottom Millennium Festival to for the town’s Ramsbottom Millennium Festival.
Andrew, who is often mistaken by children as a pirate, said: “You have to be daft to do it and not mind people looking at you.
“It is enjoyable, and I am one of a very small band of town criers in the North West.
“I think a town crier in full costume is quite a spectacle.”