Town Crier

Chesham's Town Crier was a feature of the town's history and had the responsibility of making important announcements in the town. After approximately 70 years without a town crier, the town council held a competition in 2004 to find a new crier for Chesham. The winner, and current holder of the post, is Eric Watsham. Mr Watsham is a member of the Ancient and Honourable Guild of Town Criers and regularly performs at a number of town events, including the Schools of Chesham Carnival and the Victorian Shopping Evening.

 

Historically, the Town Crier would make a wide variety of announcements, informing the town's people of important information. In the 1920s and 1930s, Crier Philip Howard frequently walked around the town with his handbell to give advance notice of when the water supply would be turned off. He also cried to announce fetes and other events of interest. In the 21st Century, it is the latter which is Mr Watsham's main role, thanks to the reliability of our modern water supply!

 

For more information, contact the Town Hall on 01494 774842 (Monday to Friday, 10 am to 4.30 pm) or email admin@chesham.gov.uk.