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September 2025 Issue 99
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Search starts for new Wells Town Crier OYEZ, oyez, oyez! The search has started to find the next Wells Town Crier. Wells City Council is advertising for a successor to Len Sweales, who is planning to retire from the role next May. Len has become a familiar face, and voice, around Wells since becoming Town Crier in 2001, performing public proclamations at civic events, markets and special occasions, and representing Wells at many different functions. Now he has decided that the time is right to pass on the traditional uniform, stave and bell to someone else. “I’ve had a fantastic time. I don’t really want to give up but I feel I ought to now. It’s getting harder to get around and do as much as I used to,” he said.
“I am still very enthusiastic and will miss being one of Wells’ focal points, and being a small part of Wells Council, and its enthusiastic councillors and staff, without whose support the job would be much harder. “Now in my 80th year I am finding it hard to maintain my own standards, and wish to leave being the person I am, and not the person I was.” Len was appointed after the sudden death of Les Long in 2000, applying for the job shortly after moving to Wells from Camberley with his wife Rosemary, and seeing an advert in the local paper. He was interviewed and auditioned by the councillors at the time, and given the position Continued on page 3
‘I will miss being one of Wells’ focal points’ Town Crier Len Sweales
Big funding award for WCN: page 6 l Heritage Open Days events: page 13 l Carnival plea: page 14
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