Oyez! Oyez! Witham could soon have its own town crier.

The town council was approached recently by William Millard, of Vicarage Avenue, White Notley, who wondered why there was no Witham town crier and volunteered his services.

Mr Millard, a well-known figure in Witham Twinning Association, is a trained bass baritone with extensive singing and theatrical experience.

He said: "I am known for my loud voice when I want to use it."

Civic events have in the past been heralded by roving town criers, most notably Skip Papworth, of Kelvedon, who brings his ceremonial skills to similar events across the area.

But some people in Witham feel having their own dedicated town crier would enhance civic pride and give residents a figurehead they could identify with.

Phil Barlow, deputy leader of Witham Town Council, said: "I have no problem in exploring, through the town council, whether we would want our own town crier.

"It seems to me reasonable for someone who's well known to be a designated town crier, residents could identify with. I'm all for things that people can identify with that help define the town."

Witham Town Council's community services committee will debate the town crier issue at a meeting at the town hall tonight

Published Tuesday, June 3, 2003

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