Seaford town crier shouted out for highest honour after almost 50 years of service

Peter became Seaford’s Town Crier in 1977 and has represented the town across the United Kingdom and internationally. He joined The Ancient and Honourable Guild of Town Criers in 1980 and has served as Seaford’s Serjeant at Mace since 2012. He has also given voluntary support to local charities, community events and civic occasions.

His civic duties have included proclaiming the Accession of His Majesty King Charles III in Seaford and representing the town at national and international Town Crier competitions. He will mark 50 years as Seaford’s Town Crier on 1 January 2027.

Peter said the honour was “a great privilege” and “a great gift from a town I love and value”, which he had been delighted to serve for half a century.

Earlier this year, Ben Robinson was appointed Deputy Town Crier and Deputy Serjeant at Mace. After Peter’s 50-year anniversary, they will exchange roles. Ben will become Town Crier and Serjeant at Mace, while Peter will continue as Deputy, supporting Ben and passing on his knowledge and experience. The council stressed that Peter is not retiring and will remain active in Seaford’s civic life.

Mayor of Seaford Cllr Lindsay Stirton said few people had done more to champion the town, maintain its traditions and bring people together. Peter is one of the country’s longest-serving Town Criers. The mayor said Peter had spent the past year finding and training a deputy to ensure the office’s skills and traditions continued. Granting the Freedom of the Town was the right recognition, the mayor said.

Cllr Stirton expressed delight at hosting the ceremony and said the whole town would want to thank Peter.

Plans for the Freedom of the Town ceremony are being developed. The event is expected to take place in early March 2027, with further details to be announced in due course.