Christmas present for town crier

Swindon's man with the mouth, sprightly 72 year old Fred Ferris, has been presented with a new uniform thanks to sponsorship by Swindon Town Centre Management.

Based on the uniform of a Great Western Railway station master, it has been made by Brenda Dore from outfitters Jensons of Gorse Hill who celebrate their twenty-fifth anniversary in 2004. Embroidered emblems of the GWR and Swindon Council have been donated by John Stevenson.

"My previous uniform was made by a costume maker and was quite stiff and heavy," said Fred. "Brenda has made an outfit which is just as magnificent but is much easier to wear. It allows me to put all my energies into my calls."

Brenda said, "I'm used to making wedding dresses and doing occasional alterations to trousers; this is my first attempt at a complete suit."

Unveiled in the Mayor's parlour, Mayor of Swindon coun Derek Benfield said he was very impressed. "Fred is certainly the best dressed town crier I've ever seen. He will be able to shout Swindon's good name far and wide even louder and clearer than before."

Fred is regularly complimented on his dress when he represents Swindon at calling competitions around the country and was voted best dressed town crier in 2001. And indeed at his first competition wearing the new uniform on 24 November in Howarth in North Yorkshire, he won the prize for being the best dressed crier.

Caption Fred with Brenda and Peter Dore, right, with the Mayor and town centre manager Bernie McGuire



Crusader for wildlife is a worthy winner

Many years of battling for wildlife and North Swindon's environment was recognised on 20 November when Marilyn Beale from Penhill was presented with the Swindon Citizen Environmental Award by the Mayor councillor Derek Benfield.

Over the years, Marilyn has dedicated her time to a number of environmental projects across the borough. Along with local residents she was responsible for the formation of the Seven Fields Conservation Group in 1989. The group, supported by Marilyn's tireless involvement helped achieved the status of Local Nature Reserve for the site between Penhill, Haydon Wick and Abbey Meads.

The group has fought hard to maintain the quality of the environment and recently threatened to close down because actions by Swindon Council were damaging the nature reserve.

More recently Marilyn has been working with others to set up the Penhill Orchard Project, converting allotments to grow fruit and vegetables communally.

Marilyn said, "I am delighted to accept this award on behalf of everyone who has helped me over the years. I admit to being a good organiser, but I couldn't do it without the help of other people."

"Bill King, Chair of Seven Fields Conservation Group made the nomination. He said,"Marilyn's dedication and tenacity is an example to everybody and her efforts motivate residents who would not be normally active in their local community and environment."