TWO new officers have been appointed to the Manorial Borough of Newton Abbot, following the retirement of the town’s long-serving town crier and the death of its former gamekeeper.

Alan Gibbs, a Newton Abbot town councillor, has been appointed as the borough’s new town crier, becoming the first man to hold the position for many decades.

The appointment follows the retirement of Eveline Davies, who served as the Borough town crier, bellringer and bill poster for around 20 years.

Mrs Davies, now aged 94, stepped down from the historic voluntary role following her long service to the town.

Her husband, Michael Davies, who served as the borough’s Gamekeeper, died in September 2024.

Mr Gibbs has lived in Newton Abbot for more than 30 years and was elected to Newton Abbot Town Council in 2023.

He is a strong supporter of the local community, particularly small businesses.

Away from his civic duties, he is a pen-maker, creating handcrafted pens from wood and acrylic.

The honorary role of Manorial Borough Town Crier has a long history and remains an important part of Newton Abbot’s civic traditions.

Appointed by the Lord of the Manorial Borough, Mr Gibbs will work with the Court Leet and Court Baron and, where invited, with the town council, local government, event organisers and civic leaders to help deliver public information.

His traditional regalia is currently being prepared, and residents can expect to see him in the town centre soon.

Michael Hocking, a former Portreeve of the Newton Abbot Manorial Borough and former town councillor, has also been appointed as the new Gamekeeper.

While the historic office of gamekeeper has traditionally carried quasi-law enforcement responsibilities, Mr Hocking’s role will be largely ceremonial.

His duties will also include an interest in wildlife protection and overseeing the River Lemon, including its health, wellbeing and fish stocks.