IT was a very proud day for Launceston’s town crier, Rob Tremain last Thursday, as he was made an Honoured Burgess.

The honour was bestowed upon him during the town’s mayor choosing ceremony.

The award of Honoured Burgess is made in recognition of significant service made by an individual to the community over a considerable period of time.

The honour is not bestowed by the town council frequently or lightly and it is therefore unlikely that there will be more than two or three at any one time.

Currently, town historian, Arthur Wills is the only living recipient of the honour.

Other Honoured Burgesses have included Charles Causley, Olver Harris, Graham Facks-Martin and former editor of the Cornish & Devon Post, Arthur Venning.

Rob, who is also a town councillor, is only the ninth to have been awarded the title of honoured burgess since 1981.

Outgoing mayor, Cllr Margaret Young said Launceston was the ‘centre of the universe’ for Cllr Tremain.

He has been town crier since 1977, has represented the town all over the country, and he has knowledge of the town that is ‘second to none.’

His many achievements include being made a Bard of the Cornish Gorsedh in 1998.

Cllr Young said: “Thanks for all you do. I’m delighted to give you this award.”

In response, a delighted Cllr Tremain said: “Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, thank you for this kind award. I feel so honoured to be in this few.

“Launceston is a very special place to me as everyone knows.

“As a boy growing up in Chapel Park, I had a wonderful childhood, with plenty to do, the world was our oyster.

“From the folk club, societies, Launceston Lions there was so much to get involved with and mum and dad certainly let us to do that.

“As town crier I’ve seen in 27 mayors. I’d like to thank my wife Pat for all of her encouragement and support over the years. She didn’t see this coming”, before joking “At least I’ll have my tea made for me tonight.

“I’ve always tried to help where I can but I never thought I’d get this from my town. Thank you one and all.”

In response, Cllr Gordon said: “Before Rob walks away, I am, as the council, delighted that Rob has become a Burgess, and in my view this is long overdue. This is an honour that has only been awarded to eight people since 1981.

“I have been requested to award Rob with a bronze cast of the town seal, which has been generously gifted to Rob by an ex mayor of Launceston, Mr Alan Buckingham.

“It is Mr Buckingham’s wish that this bronze seal is awarded to Rob today for his services to Launceston.”

In response, Cllr Tremain said: “Pat and I saw Alan a few weeks ago. For him to think of me, I’m quite touched. So thanks Alan.”

Speaking after the ceremony, Cllr Tremain said: “It was absolutely wonderful. Launceston is the most special place to me.

“For your home town to say thank you, it’s tremendous. My family are absolutely thrilled.”