OYEZ, OYEZ

I write to say how much I enjoyed reading Andrew Benton’s interesting and informative article on town criers (Autumn 2019). Whilst having served as Mayor’s Secretary for a period at the Loyal & Ancient Borough of Newcastle-under-Lyme, I nevertheless failed to appreciate that these public orators had such a fantastic history!

The excellent article evoked memories of one particular character, the late Frank Shufflebotham who was Hon. Town Crier for some years at Newcastle. He was a real larger-than-life fellow, and residents had no need to enquire what was happening when Frank’s mighty “Oyez” was heard in the town centre preceded by the customary ringing of the handbell.

It was traditional at Newcastle for the crier to carry a wooden staff. This was surmounted by a representation in bellmetal of a bust of Elizabeth I, a gift to the Borough in 1700 by the then MP Rowland Cotton.

I believe that Frank regularly attended events organised by the Town Criers’ associations, both home and abroad, and was successful in winning a number of awards. It is also understood that on one occasion, when travelling to Canada for such an event, his arrival at the airport coincided with that of other competitors which resulted in pandemonium in the lounge due to ringing of bells and perhaps a “practice run” of their competition piece!

Frank’s impressive regalia was made by local tailor Margaret Litherland and this precious outfit is now preserved in the town’s Museum & Art Gallery for future generations.

Graham Bebbington, Stoke-on-Trent,

Staffordshire