Wells City Council is delighted to announce the appointment of Philip Dickson as the new Town Crier for the City of Wells.
Phil is recently retired from the Army, where he held a variety of roles within the Coldstream Guards, most recently serving with distinction as Band Sergeant Major. Since moving to the West Country, Phil has dedicated his time to supporting a number of charity organisations as well as being sworn in to the King’s Body Guard, the Yeoman of the Guard in May this year.
The role of Town Crier is a cherished part of Wells’ heritage, bringing news, cheer and civic pride to local events and celebrations. Phil will take up the bell and scroll to continue this proud tradition, following in the footsteps of Len Swales, who will retire in May 2026 after an extraordinary 25 years of service.
The Right Worshipful the Mayor of Wells, Cllr Louis Agabani, said:
“We are deeply grateful to Len for his dedication, energy, and unmistakable voice that has echoed through our city for a quarter of a century. His service has brought life and ceremony to every civic occasion. And we look forward to welcoming Phil into the City’s Civic role of Town Crier. Whilst he knows that he has big shoes to fill, I have every faith that he will do so diligently and will work to make the role his own, ensuring traditions are maintained and where possible further enhanced for the future”
Len will be supporting Phil as part of a nine-month handover, guiding him through civic events within the calendar and imparting his wisdom on process and ceremony ensuring Phil is fully prepared to take on the role with confidence from May 2026.
Wells City Council warmly welcomes Phil as the new voice of the city.
A formal handover ceremony will be arranged and publicised in due course, when the people of Wells will be invited to join in celebration of both the past and future of this proud tradition.

Wells City Council is delighted to announce the appointment of Philip Dickson as the new Town Crier for the City of Wells.
Phil is recently retired from the Army, where he held a variety of roles within the Coldstream Guards, most recently serving with distinction as Band Sergeant Major. Since moving to the West Country, Phil has dedicated his time to supporting a number of charity organisations as well as being sworn in to the King’s Body Guard, the Yeoman of the Guard in May this year.
The role of Town Crier is a cherished part of Wells’ heritage, bringing news, cheer and civic pride to local events and celebrations. Phil will take up the bell and scroll to continue this proud tradition, following in the footsteps of Len Swales, who will retire in May 2026 after an extraordinary 25 years of service.
The Right Worshipful the Mayor of Wells, Cllr Louis Agabani, said:
“We are deeply grateful to Len for his dedication, energy, and unmistakable voice that has echoed through our city for a quarter of a century. His service has brought life and ceremony to every civic occasion. And we look forward to welcoming Phil into the City’s Civic role of Town Crier. Whilst he knows that he has big shoes to fill, I have every faith that he will do so diligently and will work to make the role his own, ensuring traditions are maintained and where possible further enhanced for the future”
Len will be supporting Phil as part of a nine-month handover, guiding him through civic events within the calendar and imparting his wisdom on process and ceremony ensuring Phil is fully prepared to take on the role with confidence from May 2026.
Wells City Council warmly welcomes Phil as the new voice of the city.
A formal handover ceremony will be arranged and publicised in due course, when the people of Wells will be invited to join in celebration of both the past and future of this proud tradition.