Town crier's death sees tribute to 'rousing voice'

Councillor Peder Nielsen became the town crier of Bromyard and Winslow in 2007

An award-winning town crier who has died after 17 years in the role had a "rousing, spirited voice", a council said in its tribute.

Councillor Peder Nielsen took on the position in 2007 for Bromyard and Wimslow in Herefordshire.

He went on to represent the area at festivals, civic events and was named national champion by the Ancient and Honourable Guild of Town Criers in 2019.

"It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Councillor Peder Nielsen on Monday 2 December," the town council said.

“Councillors and staff will greatly miss Peder’s cheerful nature, wealth of knowledge, and rousing, spirited voice."

As well as his town crier role, Nielsen was a “devoted” local councillor, most recently chairing the town’s traffic management committee since May, it added.

He was born in Cheshire but settled in Bromyard with his wife Jan, who survives him.

Once describing himself as “a rather shy and retiring”, he said that “thanks to both my wife and the town, I have found a new confidence in myself, for which I’m very grateful”.

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.