Marlborough Town Council
Town Cryer Press Release
MARLBOROUGH TOWN COUNCIL
PRESS RELEASE
7th March 2016
Introducing Marlborough's New Town Cryer!
We have a fabulous new Town Cryer! Let us introduce you to Mr Michael Tupman, MBE. He's Marlborough's well-loved and much respected former Special Constable. At a short ceremony on Monday, 7th March, he was welcomed as a member of our Civic Team by the Town Mayor, Councillor Margaret Rose. Alfie Johnson, who held the post for 21 years until he retired in 2015 officially relinquished the role and handed over the bell to his successor. We are delighted to have appointed someone who is perfect for the role - a wonderful voice, real authority and a bit of a performer who will fit in perfectly with our Macebearers, Bob Dobie, Barry Mercer and Geoffrey Snelgrove.
Michael, known affectionately as 'Tuppers,' enjoyed a successful career as a Sales Manager with Cadbury/Schwepps and, when he retired, worked for Royal Wootton Bassett Town Council to help set up and run the CCTV centre there. On top of this, he joined Wiltshire Police as a Special Constable over thirty years ago and has only stepped down from this position in the last few months.
The Mayor who made the appointment with the Mayor-Elect, Councillor Noel Barrett-Morton, said: "We are delighted to have appointed someone of such high calibre and we are sure that the whole town will embrace such a well-liked character as a fine representative for Marlborough."
The Town Cryer will also have the role of Beadle and lead ceremonial processions to civic events, Remembrance Sunday Parades and more. Marlborough has had a Town Cryer for hundreds of years. In 1913 Marlborough's Mr Angliss, was champion Town Cryer of Great Britain and the following year, the national competition took place in Marlborough Town Hall featuring candidates for the title from all over the country.
Another important role for the Town Cryer is that of Official Ale Taster, where he can tour the town visiting all its public houses where it will be his duty to taste each publican's ale to judge its quality. This is an old tradition dating back to when the Borough Council granted Inn Keepers a licence to serve ale and one well worth keeping!
For more information, please contact the Town Clerk, Mrs Shelley Parker, at
Marlborough Town Council, 5 High Street, Marlborough, SN8 1AA
Telephone: 01672 512487 - E-mail: townclerk@marlboroughtowncouncil.gov.uk
www.marlboroughtowncouncil.gov.uk
