Oyez! Oyez! Oyez!

Could you be Marlborough’s new Town Cryer/Beadle?

We are holding a competition to

find the right person to fill this

important, historic role

on

Saturday 27th February 2016

Town Hall, Marlborough

at 2.00pm

All welcome to come along and

support the candidates

Anyone interested can apply

by contacting the Town Council

for an information pack or download one from our

website - www.marlboroughtowncouncil.gov.uk

Position applied for Town Cryer/Beadle

Introduction – The Office of Town Cryer is an ancient one. The Borough accounts show payments for his livery as far back as the 17th century. Then he was the announcer of news and he carried out punishments ordered by the Magistrates. Today the office is entirely ceremonial. The Town Mayor of Marlborough is attended on ceremonial occasions by three ceremonial Officers - the Town Cryer/Beadle and the two Sgts-at-Mace who wear distinctive liveries. These are ancient Offices. The two silver-gilt maces date back to 1653 and the Beadle's Staff to the early 19th century.

Job purpose – To attend civic events as a ceremonial officer.

Job description – To attend civic events and functions held by Marlborough Town Council with the Officers of Dignity and when appropriate to make announcements and read public proclamations.

Civic Livery – The appointee will be provided with a livery, wooden staff and bell in order to perform duties. The livery remains the property of Marlborough Town Council and will be returned should the appointee resign or retire. The livery should only be worn at civic events or “cries” for local organisations approved by the Town Mayor/Town Clerk. No additional badges may be added to the livery but campaign medals or statutory awards may be worn on appropriate occasion. A high standard of turn-out is expected of all Officers.

Skills – The successful applicant will be expected to have or develop a good local knowledge with an understanding of the town and its history. It is hoped you will be able to make easy conversation with anyone seeking assistance during your duties. Texts of Marlborough Town Council announcements and proclamations will be provided. Any cries for local organisations should be consistent with the dignity of the office and always in good taste.

Marlborough Town Council

Application Tel: 01672 512487

Fax No: 01672 512116

VAT No: 195 5986 93

Town Clerk: Shelley Parker

www.marlboroughtowncouncil.gov.uk

e-mail: enquiries@marlboroughtowncouncil.gov.uk

COUNCIL OFFICES

5 HIGH STREET

MARLBOROUGH

WILTSHIRE

SN8 1AA

Responsibility – The appointee represents Marlborough and its residents so you are expected to maintain a high standard of appropriate behaviour and courtesy at all times during your duties.

Duties/Civic events – It is anticipated you will attend the following events :

Remembrance Day and Armistice Day

Civic Receptions including Mayor Making

Opening of the Mop Fair

Christmas Light Switch-on

Church Civic Services

Any events Marlborough Town Council is likely to arrange which Officers are required to attend

The Civic Secretary must be informed in good time if the appointee is not able to attend a function.

Other local events – You may be invited to perform “cries” throughout the year promoting various charitable events (coffee mornings, fetes etc.) in the town. Other non-political organisations may also wish to use the appointees’ services. Attendance at these is entirely at your own discretion and not obligatory. It is essential that permission to appear at any such event is first obtained from the Town Mayor/Town Clerk. No event outside the town boundary should be accepted without prior approval and it is imperative that acceptance of any additional commitments is kept to a modest level.

Personal – To act with integrity at all times and have no publically displayed political persuasion.

Honorarium – The Town Council pays a nominal honorarium. The Town Cryer/Beadle is not an employee of the Town Council but holds an honorary position which may be subject to annual review. The continuance of all Officers in each role is at the discretion of the Town Council.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check (DBS) – Before attending events involving contact with children or vulnerable adults a DBS (formerly CRB) check will be necessary.

Closing date for applications – Application must be received by noon on Friday, 19th February 2016. Please inform us if you do not wish to proceed with this application.

Reason for applying this position – Please enclose a letter explaining why you are interested in this role and a little background about yourself.

For the interview

a) Enclosed is a piece on the subject of Marlborough suitable for declaring publically – please ensure you bring this with you on the day of the auditions as you will be expected to cry this piece

b) From the information enclosed regarding the Merchant’s House please select relevant information to attract members of the public to an Open Day for a short cry (approximately 130 words) on the High Street – please ensure you bring your prepared cry with you on the day of the auditions.

c) To cry this public announcement at the audition “Ladies and Gentlemen please be upstanding for the Town Mayor of Marlborough Councillor Mrs Margaret Rose”.

Please return to: Mrs Shelley Parker Town Clerk Marlborough Town Council SN8 1AA

Equal Opportunities Marlborough Town Council is committed to a policy of Equal Opportunity in employment. Applications are welcomed from eligible candidates irrespective of age, race, colour, nationality, ethnic origin, disablement, sex, marital status, sexual orientation or religion.

‘Cry’ on the subject of Marlborough.

‘OYEZ, OYEZ, OYEZ’

Welcome to the ancient town of Marlborough in the beautiful county of Wiltshire.

Known for one of the widest High Streets in England.

Known for its great mound where William the Conqueror built his Royal Castle.

Known for its Charter given by King John in the year 1204.

Find your bargains in King John’s Wednesday and Saturday markets.

Enjoy refreshments in the towns many eateries.

Drink in its ancient inns and taverns.

Swing along at its International Jazz Festival.

Visit Mr Bailey in our 17th century Merchant’s House.

Stand in the Church where the great Cardinal Wolsey stood.

Lose all your money at our annual Mop Fairs.

‘They don’t come much better than this’ said Prince Charles, ‘Spooky’ said his wife

the Duchess.

However you like it, wherever you go, Marlborough is the best

Tricorn off

God Save the Queen

MERCHANT’S HOUSE CRY

From the following information about the Merchant’s House compose a short piece

of approximately 130 words for a ‘cry’ encouraging passers-by to visit the House on

its annual Open Day. You will need to select relevant information to interest a casual

listener

The Merchants House is in the High Street.

It was bought by the Town Council in 1993.

It is run by a Trust which is restoring it.

It is a 17th century house built in 1653 after the Great Fire.

The Open Day is from 10.00am to 4.00pm.

There is a shop with all sorts of gifts for sale.

The profits from the shop help to restore the house.

There is a 17th century style garden behind the house open to visitors.

There is no entry fee on Open Day.

All the furniture in the house dates from the 17th century.

The Chairman of the Trust is Sir John Sykes.

There is a Trust Office in the garden of the house.

There are three beehives in the garden.

Start your cry with Oyez! Oyez! Oyez!