THE town crier is now dressed to impress with a new outfit that was unveiled at the Frome Street Carnival last month.
Town Crier Martin Scott ran a competition earlier this year called The Town Crier’s New Clothes for children under 16 to design and make a new outfit.
The winning costume design was created by Brodie, 14, from Frome College and Clementine, eight, from St. John’s First School and was brought to life with the help of local costume designer, Dulcie Best.
Other creative industry professionals, including local photographer Tom Hull, mentored a group of young people to take photos of the outfit and video company Neck of the Woods helped a group document the project.
Martin wore the outfit for the first time at the Frome Street Carnival on Saturday 21st September, where his predecessor, Mike Bishop, who stepped down from the role after 16 years of service earlier this year, joined him to give a lesson in the old-school ‘Oyezing.’
“The unveiling of the Town Crier’s New Clothes was an absolute blast and having a lesson from Mike was truly a special moment,” explained Martin. “The new costume has given me a real boost and combined with the carnival’s electric atmosphere, it was an unforgettable experience.
“The Frome crowd was incredibly enthusiastic and many could not wait to ring my bell and join in with a couple of ‘Oyezs.’
“I am absolutely thrilled with my outfit. Dulcie Best and her team of young stitchers – Georgia, Naiya, Nathan and Tim (young at heart), not forgetting Chloe, who took some fab photos – have created something truly magical and unique.
“The costume perfectly reflects the quirky nature of our wonderful town and I hope it’s something the citizens of Frome can be proud of.
“Wearing the official outfit for the first time was a joy and I hope that joy was infectious. The photographs of me interacting with the crowds seem to suggest it was. I felt like a real dandy and I loved the way the costume moved and the iridescence of the fabrics shone. Despite the weather forecast, it was a dry and warm day, though the costume is quite heavy, so I was definitely feeling the heat by the end of the processions.”
To help fund the project, Martin raised £475 from Frome businesses as well as a couple of donations from private individuals.
“I would like to extend a big thank you to all the businesses that have supported the project. Their generosity has been instrumental in making this possible.
Martin took on the role of Frome Town Crier in February after winning the title at Frome Town Council’s town crier competition.
Pictured: Town crier with the mayor Cllr Andy Jones at the carnival
