Town crier gives his last public call (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Town crier gives his last public call

MALMESBURY town crier Albert Lindsay has hung up his robes after more then five years in the role.

Mr Lindsay, who lives in Hullavington, gave his last cry at the Market Cross on Saturday lunchtime.

His last act in the ceremonial position was to announce the Athelstan Players pantomime performance, tomorrow's (Friday) late night shopping and Saturday's performance at the Abbey by the Malmesbury Singers.

He became town crier in September 1999 after the then town clerk Major Edward Ferguson heard of his interest in the job and offered him the chance to take up the role.

Since then he has informed the community of events of public interest during regular monthly public announcements from Market Cross.

However, he has now decided to relinquish his position, and has handed over the reins to his replacement Rose Darlington.

Mr Lindsay said: "There's a time in the affairs of man when you say that's enough.

"I've enjoyed meeting people and particularly the children.

"There was one little boy (on Saturday) who thought I was Father Christmas.

"So I bent down and said would you like to ring my bell, it's little things like that which make it enjoyable."