TOWN CRIER MARKS FIVE YEARS
Council presents ‘inspiring’ fundraiser with a long service award
A TOWN crier has been awarded a special long service award.
To celebrate Bill Lomas serving in Leek for five years, he gave a special ‘cry’ in the centre of the town.
During his five years of service, Mr Lomas has raised thousands of pounds for charity.
To mark the event, members of the town council presented Mr Lomas with an engraved glass plaque which said: “Bill Lomas Leek town crier five year award with our heartfelt thanks, Leek Town Council, October 2020.”
Town mayor, Councillor Stephen Wales, above, said: “I remember his approach to me back then was “Leek needs a Town Crier – and that’s me”, before demonstrating his mega decibel shout down Stockwell Street.
“So I was very pleased to award him a five-year service award at his celebratory cry by the Buttercross in Leek.
“It is worth noting this is a voluntary role, and as well as fulfilling his civic duties he has gone on to privately raise thousands of pounds for local charities and good causes by making hundreds of personal appearances. “His commitment to his tasks, and at the age of 75, is quite inspiring.
“He has deservedly earned the goodwill and respect of the town council – and the people of Leek.”
Mr Lomas said one of the best things of being the town crier was meeting many different people, which was a great feeling.
He said: “I have completed five years as Leek town crier. The town council have presented me with an engraved glass plaque, which I appreciate.
“I love Leek and it is great to be an ambassador for the town.
“Over the years I have received so much support from people and have been given many things to help me with my charity work.
“It can be hard work, but at the same time rewarding. I have now been given a donation to buy a new Santa suit.
“I am going to go around the town on a mobility scooter, which some people are going to dress up.
“For my 75th birthday I am having a cake made. I then intend to raffle it off for charity.”