Whispers have silenced my cries says ‘eccentric’ town crier

A TOWN crier said to be a “cross between Stephen Fry and Spike Milligan” is fighting to keep his job after being suspended following complaints believed to concern his eccentric and ebullient manner.

Knaresborough’s town crier Simon Shaw, 47, has been suspended by the town council over “various complaints” which have not been made public.

Like Fry and Milligan, Mr Shaw has had episodes of depression, having been diagnosed with
bipolar disorder, formerly known as manic depression.

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His supporters believe his loud and opinionated manner may have rubbed up some people the wrong way.

“A friend described me as intelligent, gifted and a cross between Fry and Milligan but, like those two, I am not everyone’s cup of tea,” he told the Yorkshire Post.

“I say it like it is and if there is a joke to be had, I make it. I am loud and I have probably wound up 50 people in the town but I have a way of connecting with people. I have people in tears of laughter; I have a gift and I make people smile.”

His suspension, pending an investigation, has left him feeling anxious.

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Although the job is voluntary – he receives only a few pounds in expenses – it gives him confidence and a focus.

“I have visited my doctor this week who told me that the role (of town crier) had given me my life back. Hand on heart I have done nothing that warrants this suspension. It is just tittle-tattle.”

Mr Shaw and his supporters are particularly angry as the nature of the complaints have not been revealed.

“The way I have been treated has been disrespectful and is having a detrimental effect on my health,” he added.

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Mr Shaw, of Harrogate, has been in the role since October 2009 and says he carries out up to 100 events a year. He says the town council was made aware of his mental illness when they took him on.

He now wants to clear his name and continue in the job he loves.

“I have had a lot of people saying nice things and a friend has organised a petition which contains 77 names. I am a public figure and will stand my ground. If I have done something wrong I will put my hand up.”

It is understood that three town councillors disagreed with the decision to suspend him and one abstained from the vote.

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Knaresborough Town Councillor Andy Wright has labelled the suspension “a complete disgrace” because Mr Shaw has not been told what, if anything, he has done wrong.

A complaint about Mr Shaw’s time-keeping had been raised but this was not covered in his terms and conditions of employment, according to Coun Wright.

“There may, or may not be, reasons to discipline Simon but if there are – and I am obliged to keep an open mind – these were not presented in writing at the council meeting and it is unacceptable to suspend anyone on gossip and tittle-tattle.

“It is also unacceptable to suspend anyone without telling them what they are accused of. Simon had not been previously warned of any possible misdemeanour.

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“If, as I think likely, Knaresborough Town Council has to pay damages for its malicious, irresponsible actions I hope the councillors concerned do not hide behind the veneer of confidentiality, admit their fault and resign.”

A spokeswoman for Knaresborough Town Council said: “I can confirm that he has been suspended while we look into various complaints.”

She said it was hoped that someone from Harrogate Borough Council will carry out the investigation but it was not known how long this will take.

“We want to get it resolved as soon as possible,” she added.

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She said the town crier position was a joint appointment by the town council and the chamber of trade.

In a letter to Mr Shaw, council clerk Nicola Smith said that he was suspended “following several complaints” but does not go into detail.

Mr Shaw has been told to “return all Town Crier assets, including the bell, uniform and regalia, to the council office at once”.

The chamber of trade declined to comment on the nature of the complaints against Mr Shaw.