Tenby has a new Town Crier, whose first official engagement was a poignant ceremony to mark the 80th anniversary of the D Day landings.

The commemoration beacon lighting by Tenby’s Mayor, Cllr. Dai Morgan on Castle Hill on June 6, marked the first official engagements of two new faces undertaking ceremonial duties - Town Crier, Erin Morgan, and new Sergeant at Arms, Spike Abbott.

Seventeen-year-old Erin was officially appointed as Town Crier at the Town Council’s meeting this month and read the official D Day International Tribute to open the ceremony.

Tenby D Day beacon
There were two new faces undertaking ceremonial duties in Tenby at the town’s recent D Day Commemoration Beacon Lighting on Castle Hill. (Pic: Gareth Davies Photography)

The daughter of the Mayor, Erin has lived in Tenby all her life and is currently a student at Pembrokeshire College.

Speaking to the Town Council last week she said Tenby is a special place, with lots of traditions and the role of Town Crier is an important part of those traditions.

A young leader with Tenby Guides, she would love to see the youth of the town more involved and hopes to help the Town Council bring the community together as Town Crier.

Cllr. Sam Skyrme-Blackhall commented that many males had filled the role, including the late great John Thomas, who had been an amazing ambassador for Tenby. However, she felt it was now time for some ‘girl power’.

Spike takes over the mantle from Rev John Morgan, who retired earlier this year after 25 years’ service in the role.

beacon lighting ceremony on Castle Hill
The beacon lighting ceremony on Castle Hill in Tenby to mark the 80th anniversary of the D Day landings. (Pic: Gareth Davies Photography)

He spent 35 years as an Air Loadmaster in the Royal Air Force serving in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Kosovo.

He married his drill instructor’s daughter during his initial training and had the wedding in Pontypool.

Spike is no stranger to ceremonial duties however, as he left the RAF in 2015 to join the late Queen’s Bodyguard as a Beefeater at the Tower of London.

He was invited to be a Freeman of The City of London a year later and became the Beadle to the Alderman of Tower Ward who served as The Lord Mayor of London last year.

Spike sergeant at arms Tenby
Spike is no stranger to ceremonial duties however, as he left the RAF in 2015 to join the late Queen’s Bodyguard as a Beefeater at the Tower of London. (Pic supplied)

In 2022 Spike stood guard over The Late Queen as she laid at rest in Westminster Hall for 4 nights and was at the altar in Westminster Abbey for the crowning of His Majesty King Charles at the Coronation a year later.

Spike retired from the Tower of London on June 1 this year after 44 years in uniform to move to Penally and ‘bring my wife back home to Wales.’