Oyez, Oyez, City’s Town Crier resigns after 14 years - Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce and Industry, UK

Mr Terry Stubbings has been a dedicated Town Crier for the historic City of Lincoln since 1994.  With the support of his wife, Trish, he has proclaimed at hundreds of city events, welcomed civic and royal dignitaries, announced members of the armed forces, and he has represented the city at venues around the world.

Throughout, Terry has undertaken his role as Town Crier with professionalism and enthusiasm, and his passion for the city of Lincoln and its people has always shined through.  His talent was recognised when he won the British Town Crying Championships in 2004.  In the same competition he and his wife were announced ‘the best dressed town crier and town crier escort’.

On talking with fondness about his years as Lincoln’s Town Crier, Terry recalled a few highlights.  He said: “I have so much to remember.  In the early years, in 1995 just after I had started, I recall taking the Jumbo Jet to our twin town Neustadt in Germany.  We left early from RAF Waddington and when we arrived I was the first to leave the plane and proclaim our arrival to the German people.  I proclaimed throughout our visit in both English and German!  It was a fantastic day and a fantastic experience.

“A peak was winning the Championship in 2004.  My wife Trish has always supported me in my role and I wouldn’t have been as successful without her.  Trish is actually a world champion as she won the world title of ‘best dressed town crier escort’ in 2000.

“We have travelled far and wide to undertake our duties and wherever we go we always publicise Lincoln and talk of its beauty.  A special trip was in 2001 when we travelled to Canada to celebrate ‘Canada day’; we were very proud to lead a parade through two cities at that event.

Terry remarked that one tip to being an excellent Town Crier is to always write down names, events and facts before giving the proclamation.  “I learnt this the hard way,” he said.  “When I had just started I was asked to announce Gaynor Barnes who had come to Lincoln to an opening event.  However when I made the proclamation I shouted Gloria Gayner!  Luckily Ms Barnes saw the funny side.

Terry and Trish no longer have family connections in Lincoln and some time ago decided to retire to Liverpool to be close to their relatives.  Terry said: “It is with mixed emotions that I leave Lincoln and the role of Town Crier.  We are looking forward to what is the next chapter of our lives and spending time with family in Liverpool.  However we are leaving behind a city we cherish and 14 years of pleasure and enjoyment as the city’s Town Crier.”

Julie Duxbury, Civic and Executive Office Manager for the City of Lincoln Council has worked with Terry and Trish since he became Town Crier.  Julie said:  “I was very sorry to receive Terry’s resignation but I wish them both well for their future in Liverpool.  On behalf of the Civic

Office I thank them for all their hard work, and for all that they have done to promote Lincoln.  They have been excellent ambassadors for the city.”

With Mr Stubbings hanging up his Lincoln hat, the search is now on for a new Town Crier.  On what qualities you need to be a Town Crier, Mr Stubbings said:  “You need to be passionate about Lincoln and interested in history.  You need to be able to devote time into the project and be in for the long haul, there is no training manual so the only way to become a good Town Crier is to have time to learn and gain experience.  Of course you need to have a strong voice and be able to write your own proclamations.”

For those interested in becoming the Town Crier to the Historic City of Lincoln please contact Julie Duxbury, Civic and Executive Officer Manager for more information.  Please telephone 01522 873507 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

For further information please contact:

Julie Duxbury – Civic and Executive Officer Manager – 01522 873507 – This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Anna Edlin – Senior Communications Officer – 01522 873443 – This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it