Fred's got a lot to shout about ... (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Fred's got a lot to shout about ...

Fred Ferris Picture Ref: 99156-33IT'S OFFICIAL Fred Ferris is a prize-winning ambassador for Swindon.

Town crier Fred, 73, says that while he may be long in the tooth he is still trying his best to shout about his favourite place.

And his efforts were rewarded at a national competition when Fred won the best ambassador award against 15 town criers from other towns.

Fred came fourth in the overall competition, in Banbury, Oxfordshire, but he was rated as the best town crier when it came to promoting their town.

Fred, of Penhill, who became town crier in 1997, said: "I had two shouts and they were about what I always shout about which is the founding of Swin-don.

"I talk about how it was formed with the advent of the railway and invite all the people to the town to visit the places like the Steam Museum.

"I have been promoting that ever since it was opened."

But it is not just the history of Swindon that Fred likes to pass on to people on his travels.

He said: "I also like to talk about the Outlet Village and our town centre.

"I know a lot of people knock our town centre but it's a damn site better than a lot of what I've seen in this country."

Fred, a former sergeant in the Wiltshire Regiment, clinched the prize after coming up with a rhyme about Swindon and he says he was proud to beat off some of his younger rivals.

"To win the best ambassador is good because it's something I have never won before.

"But I do try hard to promote Swindon.

"I am one of the oldest ones competing now and as you get older the voice goes down a bit.

"But it's not just about being loud.

"Anyone can shout a bit. It's about clarity of voice.

"We've got some good youngsters coming up as town criers and I have to work hard just to compete with them."

In the past Fred has claimed prizes for being the best-dressed crier.

His costume is modelled on a Victorian railway stationmaster's uniform.

If you would like Fred to appear at a public event call him on 01793 702726.

Fred's line in rhyme...

There comes a day from time to time, when I just must proclaim in rhyme.

Today's the day for words outspoken, a railway greeting I betoken.

Last day of August 1835. The Great Western Railway: created to thrive.

God's wonderful railway; present from heaven.

Who'd engineer it? A man of 27!

Brunel was his name; he'd others as well, Isambard, Kingdom must have been hell!

Later nicknamed the 'Great Way Round' circuitous routes into London town.

It's greatest achievement surely must be, to take many a family to sunshine and sea!

Gareth Bethell