New town crier silenced
Palmerston North’s new town crier did not even have time to arrange the final touches to his livery before the Covid-19 lockdown put a temporary stop to his role.
Former Methodist Goodwill stores manager, Rotarian, JP and professional Santa Lyal Brenton has had just one public appearance, at the city’s Festival of Cultures in March.
After that, his bell, a gift from the family of the late Caroline Robinson, the city’s first town crier who held the title for nearly 20 years, fell silent.
The Palmerston North City Council decided late last year to ask Brenton, a civic award holder and local hero, to step into the role.
Robinson died on May 22 last year from pancreatic cancer, aged 69.
Brenton’s first reaction to the invitation was to approach the family of his predecessor, who he had known for decades, to make sure they were happy with the proposal.
They not only gave him their blessing, but also the bell Robinson received tomark her 10th anniversary in the ceremonial role, and contact details for her costume designer.
Brenton said it was an honour to be offered the title, and he looked forward to doing Palmerston North proud, even though he was apprehensive about stepping into such big shoes.
But first, there was his outfit to sort out, partly paid for out of a council stipend for the otherwise honorary job.
He said he was delighted tomeet Debbie Watkins, whose design for Robinson’s livery earned the bestdressed town crier in the world award in 2013.
Brenton’s new outfit is made of a lightwool in Manawatu¯ green, the fabrics and embellishments including the lacy jabot at the neck and gold braid, usedwith consent from the military, a tribute to local businesses.
Only the hand-made tricorn hat and the buckles on his shoes came from Wellington, and the ostrich feather in his hat was sourced online.
Watkins was still adding finishing touches to the livery, such as a hidden pocket and chain to hold his cloak in position.
It could have been a busy introduction for the new town crier, but with graduations, the Military Tattoo and citizenship ceremonies among the casualties of the Covid-19 restrictions, his diary was suddenly empty.
A citizenship ceremony in October could be his next booking, followed by the Christmas Parade, which he will lead rather than arrive in a red costume at the end.
Until then, he has time to work on his oratory skills, and encourage wife Christina to choose a period costume for her outings as his escort.