Adrian J Basford Is the Officially Registered Town Crier to The Ancient Market Town of Rugeley in Staffordshire.
Also acting as a Veteran in the Unofficial role of Regimental Crier for the Staffordshire Regiment (The Prince of Wales’s) Now the Mercian Regiment.
With volume and manner, skills developed in the Armed Forces coupled with Public Speaking capabilities and colourful nature, Adrian’s role as a Town Crier is Unique and Historic.
Historically, A Town Crier is an official figure responsible for making public announcements in residential centres throughout the world.
The first recorded use of Town Criers was the Greek Spartan Runners, carrying news of battles, wins and losses on their lips, sometimes carrying spoken offers of peace or temporary ceasefires, runners delivered verbally. This concept of news delivery spread across Europe, and this has been seen in many different forms across the world.
Tradition dictates the typical Town Crier’s Dress Code, known as Livery. The dress period most in use is the late 1700s to early 1800s. This is typically a Tricorn Hat, Long Coat, Cape and Breeches, it is hard to miss this colourful and distinctive official.
The role of the Town Crier has not changed much since the Bayeux Tapestry of 1066 displays two “Bellmen” announcing the changes of power across the land. Today, using a Town Crier gives people an enthusiastic sense of cultural and historical connection, mixed with a good helping of novelty. Children and the Aged will always smile at the Pirate-looking character or the memories of years past. But all enjoy seeing or hearing something unique.
Today, using a Town Crier gives people an enthusiastic sense of cultural and historical connection, mixed with a good helping of novelty. Children and the Aged will always smile at the Pirate-looking character or the memories of years past. But all enjoy seeing or hearing something unique.
The Town Crier is often used for Civic functions and Public Events. Such as:
- Community Events: Festivals, Carnivals, Parades and Gatherings. Helping to Generate Excitement and Draw a Crowd.
- Public Announcements: Conveying Important News or Updates to the Public. Special Holidays, Historic or Commemorative Events.
- A powerful addition to the program when hosting a fundraiser or concert.
- Novelty Events, such as announcing the sex at a Baby Reveal, Congratulating Newly Weds and proclaiming the Ceremony to the Public.
- Media Promotion. Using a town crier to open a new shop or store, launch a Digital Campaign or promote Diversity within our community.
- Community Educational Talks, or School Assemblies to raise awareness and promote events and projects.
- Awards where the Town Crier Proclaims the Winners, Best Individuals and Achievers.
- And of course, the Christmas Light Switch on is Always a Great event to have a Town Crier Present.
It is estimated that there are less than 180 Registered Town Criers across the UK and Northern Ireland. As a traditional role, there has been a resurgence of Criers in recent years and as such It has been necessary to belong to a Respectable, registering body for insurance and quality whilst keeping to the tradition of the role.
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