AFTER bearing the weight of a second-hand ceremonial coat weighing over 20 pounds (nine kilograms) for the past 14 years, Watchet Town Crier and Bellman David Milton is hoping to raise £2,000 to bring a smart new image to his iconic role, which dates to 1273.

David said: “I have cobbled clothes together since I took over in 2012, and some new robes would also raise the profile of the Watchet Court Leet, of which I am bellman and which is an important part of local history.

“The main green outfit I use for ceremonial occasions was passed on by the last crier, Alec Danby, who was about three stones heavier than me.

“It is now faded and badly needs replacing.

“I also have a blue uniform, given to me by Roger Ham from a jumble sale, which was a milking coat until I put gold braid on it, and a red outfit which has never fitted properly.

“It will cost around £2,000 for a new coat, cloak, tricorn hat, and a proper pair of trousers, but the town crier is a part of Watchet history and fund-raising is going really well.”

Nearly £500 was raised last Friday when David performed sea songs and shanties with West Somerset Brass Band on Watchet’s Esplanade before a crowd of more than 250.

David said: “A huge ‘thank you’ goes to supporters and the band and their conductor, Niall Watson, for their incredible support.”

He hopes the new outfit, to be made by Watchet tailor/seamstress Janet Tapp, will be ready in time for the Court Leet’s annual meeting and traditional goose supper in October.

A former company sergeant major, Alec Danby was town crier for 18 years.

He died in 2023, aged 90.

David said: “He was a very tough act to follow, but also an inspiration.”