Why these UK town criers have a rare dynamic in a traditional profession

LocalLifestyle
25 Mar 2026 • 9:53 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Why these UK town criers have a rare dynamic in a traditional profession

  • Faye Thompson and her husband Martin Johnson serve as Petersfield's town criers, uniquely featuring a lead female crier and a male deputy, a rare dynamic in the traditional profession.
  • Faye was initially scouted by the council after cheering up locals with toy orangutans during the Covid-19 pandemic, leading to her winning a town crier competition in January 2023.
  • Since her appointment, Faye has officiated numerous events, including nine King's Coronation parties and a symbolic peace treaty between Gosport and Portsmouth.
  • Martin became deputy town crier in January 2024, and the couple often swap roles, embracing a modern interpretation of the position and supporting each other.
  • The couple, who also use a stuffed sheep mascot named Peter S Field, aim to spread joy, promote their hometown, and bring communities together, recently participating in a campaign for Innocent drinks.
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