Sunderland Echo

Jim’s got plenty to shout about

WASHINGTON TOWN CRIER AND GRANDAD-OF-FOUR IS SET TO LEAD HERITAGE PARADE AGAIN

- By Vicki Newman vicki.newman@jpress.co.uk Twitter: @vickinewma­njp

Oyez! Oyez! Town crier Jim Chambers will be leading the way at an upcoming parade.

The 71-year-old will be out in front at the Washington Heritage Parade when it comes to the town on Saturday, September 17.

Jim, who lives in Usworth, will lead the procession of local colliery and school banners groups, WymRyder Motor bike group, local dance and theatre groups, The Rainbow Centre Children’s Centre, Durham Cadets and led by Ferry Hill Brass band from Washington Gardener’s Club at 9.45am, along Front Street and onto Albany Way.

The parade’s arrival at FPit Museum in Albany Park at 10am will help mark the beginning of the free, family carnival which will be opened by the Mayor and run until 4pm.

The grandad-of-four said: “I’ve led it for the last four or five years and it’s an honour to do it every time.

“I was elected as a town crier and the Queen’s own town crier Joe David travelled up from London to give me the outfit and everything.

“I don’t do it as much now because of my health, but I enjoy getting involved in parades, I’ve done some in South Tyneside too. I’m honoured to lead the parade and very proud to do it. I’m really looking forward to it.”

The parade is part of the Washington Carnival, formerly the Washington Heritage Event, which helps chart the fascinatin­g history of Washington whilst offering a fun-filled family day out with music, dance, traditiona­l crafts, games, children’s rides, exhibition­s and a range of activities and attraction­s.

When Jim reaches Albany Park, he’ll be setting up a stall selling postcards to raise funds for charity the RNIB, which helps people with sight loss.

 ??  ?? Jim Chambers leading the 2015 Washington Heritage Parade. Inset, Jim in his official portrait.
Jim Chambers leading the 2015 Washington Heritage Parade. Inset, Jim in his official portrait.

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