Newark Town Crier says goodbye to the role after 17 years

A man who went from being a taxi driver to unexpectedly becoming the town crier, says goodbye to the role after 17 years.

David Jones, 81, became the town crier in May 2007 but after many years of service, he decided to prioritise his health and abdicate the role and officially retire.

He was working for taxi company Z Cars when Newark’s mayor at the time, Marika Tribe, decided that she didn’t want to take an official car to an event, but a taxi.

Mr Jones said: “I seemed to become her taxi driver to official events, which was rather strange going to the Queen’s Birthday do at Cramwell, with all the other posh mayoral cars.

“So I struck up a friendship with Marike and she asked if I wanted to be the mayor’s officers, and without knowing what that was I said yes.”

He continued as the mayor’s officer for a while, and when Marika’s mayoral duties were over, he was asked if he wanted to be the Town Crier, which he agreed to.

Mr Jones added: “It wasn’t something I anticipated doing at all, but it has been very enjoyable.”

He was one of the 150 registered town criers in the UK, also known as a bellman, who is employed by the town council to make public announcements in the streets or introduce mayoral guests.

“Every civic function is memorable because it is always different, always new guests, new mayors, so I have a lot of memories,” he said.

“One of the main memories which lingers with me is the Freedom of the Mercier Regiment around 2008 I believe, and that was a really big event and a very special occasion.

“I cherish tradition very much and I think that Newark does a very good job of keeping tradition going.

“I do hope that these traditions don't fall by the wayside, I think we're one of the very few towns that still celebrate Plough Sunday, for instance.

“And also we have our special Hercules Clay Sunday, so these are traditions which I just think are just as important as castles and things like that, so I hope they never die out.

“The memories that I take away from the job is that we have always kept tradition going and I have tried to stick as close to the tradition as I understood it.”

David was born in Oxford but moved to Market Harborough after sticking a pin into a map as his son wanted to move to the East Midlands to go to university in Derby.

He lived in Market Harborough for two years, before moving to Newark.

He said: “Newark is a wonderful little town and I think incomers appreciate it more than people who have been born here.

“I was out with my son quite a while ago and he said to me ‘You know dad, I’ve learned that the best way to appreciate your surroundings and the architecture is to look up. You will see all sorts of lovely things. Don’t look at the pavements, look at the lovely doors and the bits of fancy brickwork and things like that.’

“I think if people knew that in Newark, they would be very surprised with what a pretty and nice town it is.

“It has got a lot of history and I am glad to see the history very much coming on board and being exploited.

“All towns are struggling and that has nothing to do with the town, it has to do with the times, life evolves, towns evolve.

“But there is just so much to appreciate, from the castle, the grounds, the castle concerts and the riverside to the Civil War museum and the theatre.

“Newark has got some good pubs and places to eat so I think it is a lovely place and I am proud to call it home.”

David’s final duty as town crier was the Battle of Britain in late 2024, where he felt the strain of the role and decided it was time to retire.

At a full town council meeting on December 11, David was presented with a photograph of himself as the town crier and a plaque.

David expressed gratitude to the town council and left a heartfelt plea:

“I would like to thank the town council for their support. Without their good wishes, this job wouldn’t exist,” he said. “Please, please honour and keep the traditions that have been built up over the years.”

As David says his farewell to the role, he leaves behind a legacy of dedication, tradition, and pride in the community he served for many years.

Matthew Gleadell, Newark Town clerk said: “David has been a valuable member of the civic team since he started as the town crier in 2007.

“He’s been seen leading civic processions and carrying order in civic gatherings at the Town Hall.

“More importantly, he has become a good friend to staff, many councillors and civic guests during his time as the town crier.

“We wish him the very best for the future.”

Matthew Gleadell appeals to anyone who wishes to take over David in his duties, that offers a small remuneration, to contact him at matthew.gleadell@newark.gov.uk.