FROME’S new town crier Martin Scott, known locally as The Cheese Lord, was recently selected to represent the town following a crier competition at the town’s annual wassail event.
The wassail at Weylands orchard served as an opportunity for budding town criers to compete with one another to take on the role, following the retirement of the previous town crier, Mike Bishop.
The three candidates were asked to perform a wassail-themed cry, with local cheesemonger Martin Scott, named as the winner. He runs The Cheese Lord, a cheese shop in Frome.
Martin had harboured ambitions to be Frome’s town crier since moving to Frome 12 years ago and said, “Within a few weeks of moving here, I went to see the town crier festival in Victoria Park and I was so inspired. I said to my wife, ‘One day I’m going to be the town crier’. I’m so excited, so thrilled to be able to represent Frome and all its communities, as your town crier.”
Mayor Philip Campagna said, “Mike has done a fantastic job for many years as Frome’s Town Crier and we wish him a long, healthy and happy retirement with his wife and crier’s consort Angie. Mike’s are big shoes to fill, but we think Martin will be a great asset and a fantastic ambassador for Frome – a colourful character for our wonderful town.”
Competition to design the new town crier outfit
Martin has launched a competition on his Facebook page, Frome’s Official Town Crier, calling for people to help design “a town crier costume that truly reflects the unique spirit of Frome!”
Martin says, “Calling all young creatives (16-25). Unleash your creativity and design the ultimate costume for Frome’s new town crier! Let Frome’s independent spirit shine through. Design must include a tricorn hat and a bell, but the rest is up to you!
“Find inspiration in Frome’s values (positivity, inclusivity, health, happiness, innovation, learning), rich history (wool, cloth, metal, rebellion), or even the new town crier’s interests (disco dancing, cheese, mushroom foraging).”
Submit your design by March 30th (Easter Saturday) to the Frome Town Crier Facebook page.
There is also the opportunity for people aged 16 to 25 to help bring the winning design to life. Martin said, “Do you have a passion for turning designs into reality? Are you just starting out in the creative industries?
“We need a team to bring the winning design to life, make the costume, and spread the word! Tell us why you’re the best team for the job in 500 words or less (and send pictures if you like!), on the Frome Town Crier Facebook page.”
