People a pub in Marlborough, when my specs flew off. I shouted “Stop! My specs are on the floor!” and amazingly everyone did stop and helped me find them. What was the most memorable thing about your time as a special constable? For me, it was being awarded an MBE for services to the police. It was a real honour, it was hard keeping it secret from everyone for weeks before it was announced! It was presented to me by Prince Charles, and I had a fantastic day at the Palace. I took my two daughters, and we went to the Ritz for tea, and later to Richard Branson’s roof garden. It was fantastically organised and all the people at Buckingham Palace were very courteous and helpful. The day ran like clockwork, and is a special memory. I keep my MBE in a drawer with my police medals. Your next role is as Town Cryer, how did that come about? I know Alf Johnson, the retiring Town Cryer – we often crossed paths, and whenever I saw him I always used to joke that I would have his jacket one day. I had recently had to retire as a Special Constable, so when the Town Council announced that they were looking for a new person as Alf was standing down, I put myself forward pretty much straight away. I have all the required attributes – I’m
not shy, can be rather loud, and enjoy dressing up! I’m a great traditionalist, and I think the role will suit me down to the ground Have you performed your Town Crying duty yet? No, the first time will be at the Mayor Making ceremony in May. I’m still waiting for my uniform – its being made at the moment. There are more duties than just Town Cryer aren’t there? Yes, I am also the Beadle which again is a ceremonial role, and I am the town’s Official Ale Taster, which means I have to visit all the pubs in the town to check their ale. (It’s a hard job, but someone has to do it!) I think in a year there probably a dozen or so official jobs to do, and apparently this can be supplemented by other jobs where people can hire the Town Cryer to publicise events in the town. I’m really looking forward to the role – I enjoy getting out and about meeting people. What do you get up to in your spare time? I enjoy playing golf – although I’m not very good! (I play off a handicap of 22). I also enjoy watching sport – I’ll sometimes go with my grandson to watch Swindon Town, he’s a big fan. I enjoy pottering about in the garden, though I wouldn’t describe myself
as a gardener – I basically cut the lawns and have the odd bonfire… I’m very lucky in that I go to Goa for a month every year – I started going with my wife 18 years ago. Before that we never went to the same place twice, but we loved it so much there that we returned every year. Over the years we got to know people, so now that I am on my own I don’t mind travelling there alone, as I know I’ll know people when I get there. The people are fantastic and I always thoroughly enjoy the break. I also enjoy taking the dog for a “walk” to the pub to meet up with friends. Do you enjoy reading? I’m not a big reader, but have recently discovered audio books – so I read by listening. I enjoy crime drama and have been listening to a novel about Luther (the TV detective played by Idris Elba). Listening to the story really lets your imagination run riot. What about music? Not a big music fan – I enjoy listening to the radio, but mostly talk programmes. I’m a big fan of Radio Five Live. What do you like most about Marlborough? Everything – I even like the traffic rumbling through. I love Wiltshire and I think Marlborough epitomises the county. I love the place and the people – I wouldn’t change a single thing!
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