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Retired Christchurch Town Crier honoured 
The recently-retired town crier of Christchurch has been presented with a certificate by Christchurch Council in recognition of his work over the past 25 years. Keith Jackman recently stepped down from the post which was in fact his second retirement. He first retired in 2003 but, when his successor died, Keith came out of retirement to carry out town crier duties once again. Throughout his period of duty Keith has willingly attended numerous events serving as the town’s ambassador and promoting tourism. The post of town crier is a strictly non-political, non-commercial and non-profit-making position. He is a member of The Ancient and Honourable Guild of Town Criers. Keith was presented with his certificate at Christchurch’s Council meeting when the Council’s Leader, Cllr Alan Griffiths paid tribute to him, saying: “Throughout this time he has been a wonderful ambassador ensuring that everyone within ‘earshot’ is aware that Christchurch is a place ‘where time is pleasant’. I am not sure whether Keith has kept a record of how many events he has attended but it must be in the thousands. “Historically the only charge a town crier can make is to the value of a yard of Ale and I hope that Keith has been able to enjoy many yards of ale!” Keith’s cry was once tested on a noiseometre and it registered 118 decibels which is nearly as loud as Concorde when it took off. It is hoped that in Spring 2010 a competition will be held to find a new town crier and Keith has been invited to be one of the judges.
Photo shows Keith with the Mayor of Christchurch, Cllr David Flagg |
