Freedom of the Town, presented for the first time, has been awarded to Melksham Town Crier, Peter Dauncey, who has retired from the role following 16 years of service to the local community.
The Freedom of the Town was presented to Peter at the Mayor’s Reception, held on Friday 31st March. This is the highest honour the mayor can give to an individual who has positively impacted the community.
The following day, Peter got a telephone call from the Ancient and Honourable Guild of Town Criers, where he has been chairman and membership officer, which awarded him Life Honorary Membership. He said, “I am still in shock at winning these awards! It is an immense honour to get these.”
Presenting Peter with the Freedom of the Town and acknowledging the support of Peter’s wife, Joan, has also given to the town in their official duties, Melksham’s mayor, cllr Simon Crundell said, “Peter was never just a town crier. He has become a focal character that spans generations, he has been a national and international ambassador for Melksham, and he has fostered a sense of pride and belonging within our town.
Voice of Melksham
“He has been the voice of Melksham for many years, and his distinctive cry has become a familiar sound to all who know and love this town. And while the world may have changed around us, Peter’s unwavering commitment to Melksham has remained constant. So today, we come together to recognise Peter and Joan for their many years of service to Melksham. We want them to know how much we appreciate the countless hours they have spent promoting our town, both here in the UK and around the world.
“Peter and Joan, we thank you for your dedication to our town, for the warmth and humour that you have brought to Melksham, and for the enduring legacy that you will leave behind. As you retire from your position as town crier, we wish you all the best in your future endeavours.”
Peter became a town crier 30 years ago in Bromyard, Herefordshire, where he was also appointed the Herald to the Bishop of Hereford. He was also the town crier of twin town Athis-de-l’Orne in Normandy, and the honorary town crier of Winslow, Washington USA.
He explained, “30 years ago, the town I lived in, in Herefordshire, did not have a town crier. I was part of the town council then and we were asked to bring an idea that would brighten up the town. I suggested that we have a town crier. The next day I got a telephone call from the local newspaper, asking if they could take a picture of me as the new town crier. I went to a fancy dress shop and brought a pirate costume to wear for the photograph!”
Peter and Joan moved to Melksham in 2007, to be closer to some of their family. Before moving to Melksham, he applied for the role of town crier and was successful following an interview. As well as carrying out his town crier duties, Peter served as a Melksham Town councillor.
Amazing town
Sharing what he likes the most about Melksham he said, “The people are welcoming, friendly, the shops are nice, the pubs are nice. Everyone talks to you. I first came here in 1960 when I was an airman in the Royal Airforce. I trained at the camp. I just thought it’s just an amazing town. Melksham is very busy and I have lots and lots of wonderful memories from my time as town crier. I have had hundreds of adventures and the main thing is that I have been able to help people which I have really liked.”
Peter has offered to help Melksham’s mayor find a new Melksham Town Crier. Peter said, “The new town crier should be gregarious, speak to everybody, have a loud voice, although that is not essential. They need to be respectful of the town and traditional.
“I have always tried to keep tradition alive in Melksham and I would hope the new town crier would do the same thing. It is the mayor’s decision in who he chooses to take on the role.”
Although he has retired, Peter is now available to be booked for talks, by contacting 01225 766217.
