Why should you ask Martin to work for you?
In times past, the role of Town Crier was to be the official mouthpiece of the town, passing on the news to a largely illiterate population, well before the time of radio, television or the internet. In modern days, Town Criers act more as ambassadors for their home areas and to promote local businesses and events.
For several years Martin Hallett was the official Town Crier for the City of St. Albans and the town of Leighton Buzzard. With his booming voice, ringing bell and commanding presence he became a popular and familiar figure in the towns. He was a member of the Loyal Company of Town Criers and The Ancient and Honourable Guild of Town Criers, which ensured he conformed to recognised codes of practice and ethics, and had the trust and confidence of his fellow Criers around the world. Martin was frequently accompanied by his partner Jan who acted as his official Escort, also wearing a matching costume During his tenure in these positions, Martin took part in several national competitions, being outright winner several times, and awarded trophies for being best dressed and best ambassador. Martins achievements include :-
2001 Peterborough Best Dressed Escort
2001 Mangotsfield (Bristol) Best Dressed Crier
2001 Bishops Castle Best Crier
2001 Cleobury Mortimer Best Dressed Couple
2002 Llandudno Best Crier
2002 Bishops Castle Most Convivial Crier (!)
2002 Haworth Best Dressed Escort, Best Dressed Crier, Best Crier
2003 Llandudno Best Crier
2003 Bishops Castle Best Ambassador
2003 Haworth Best Crier
2004 Bromyard Best Crier
2004 AHGTC British Championship 2nd Place Crier
2004 LCTC British Championship Best Dressed Crier
2009 Biddulph Best Crier
Aside from his Civic and Charity work, Martin also successfully worked for companies such as Marks & Spencer, Wizard Inns, Patons Books, Prospect Employment, Pitman Training, Homebase, Tie Rack and Matalan, promoting their services, events and products.
In 2004 Martin & Jan moved to North Wales to rescue a closed village pub, The Cross Foxes Inn, Garndolbenmaen, where the regulars soon became fully aware of their popular Landlords vocal talents!!! The time-consuming job precluded any continuation of Martins Town Crying until 2008, when, having sold the pub, he was available to perform again. In July 2008 Martin was appointed as Mace Bearer to Caernarfon Royal Town Council, and in April 2009 Martin was appointed Town Crier to the Welsh Highland Heritage Railway and soon became a familiar sight on the streets of Porthmadog. In July of that year, Martin made a one-off return to the competition scene in Biddulph, Staffordshire, which he won - a 100% record for the year! The success attracted much media attention resulting in two appearances on BBC Radio Wales, one on BBC Radio Three Counties and many column inches and the local press.
In August 2009, Martin, Jan and Sid (their greyhound, sporting his own Town Crier outfit for the occasion!) were invited to Carrickfergus in Northern Ireland as guests of the the council to celebrate Irish Walled Towns Day. Tea with the Mayor was followed by Martin delivering greetings from the Mayors of Caernarfon and Beaumaris, fellow members of the Walled Towns Friendship Circle. Martin was busily involved in the celebrations but also found time to fit in a live interview on BBC Radio Ulster.
At the end of 2009, Martin had to step back from Town Crying and Mace-Bearing again due to family care commitments, but, after a lengthy break, he is once more available to serve the community in his own unique way.
Recognising and respecting the fact that the area in which he lives is predominantly Welsh speaking, Martin has attended Welsh classes for a couple of years, and learning more of the language is an ongoing process. Although still far from fluent, Martin does hope that he may be able to perform some of his work in Welsh if required.
By employing Martin at your event or occasion, you can be assured of using an experienced professional, with a confident, friendly and effective service. And one more very important point to note - when you hire Martin, you are not hiring an actor performing a role, and you are not hiring someone who is merely dressed as a Town Crier - you are hiring a genuine TOWN CRIER, the real thing - accept no imitations!!!