Farewell to Percy, 92, the world's oldest town crier

Percy Simmonds was Wolverhampton's town crier for decades and was also town crier in Wellington, Shropshire, where he moved to live some years ago.

Tributes have been paid to Percy, hailed as 'one of Wolverhampton's real characters'.

He was known throughout the Black Country, Shropshire and beyond and attended countless events over many years.

Percy - also known for his tireless charity work - was active right up until his final months.

The great-grandfather survived quadruple heart bypass surgery aged 84 and was a keen fundraiser for the British Heart Foundation.

He would often forego a fee from the events he attended, insisting the money go to charity.

And he was awarded many accolades over the years including Wolverhampton Citizen of the Year in 2012.

His family said he would be sorely missed.

Percy, born and raised in Whitmore Reans, was a Chief Petty Officer in the Navy and had a career in engineering, later moving into insurance sales and running a newspaper shop in Newbridge, Wolverhampton.

Son-in-law Roy Harper said: "He was an entrepreneur. He certainly lived life to the full. But being a town crier was his main love."

Percy actually stumbled into being a town crier around 50 years ago. While living in Wolverhampton he was asked for some advice about how they could give Willenhall a boost and he suggested having a town crier.

He then hired a robe and borrowed a bell for a second time when he was asked to do the same in Walsall.

Percy was the man who proclaimed Wolverhampton as a city when it was given the status in 2000.

And he was the star attraction at village fairs, shop openings and civic engagements all over the region for the best part of five decades.

His work even took him to Buckingham Palace and 10 Downing Street.

Mr Harper, husband to Percy's daughter Cathryn, knew Percy for 45 years.

He described him as a warm, fun-loving man who was incredibly generous and popular.

"Percy had such a big personality," Mr Harper, who like Percy was born in Wolverhampton but moved to Wellington, said. "He did anything that anyone asked him for, he was that kind of person.

"Very kind-hearted, he loved fundraising and he always donated to charities. We'll all miss him."

Percy, who lost his wife Edna some years ago, had two grandchildren - James and Stephanie - as well as four great-grandchildren.

He had a passion for music, was a banjo player and also loved karaoke.

And Mr Harper said his beloved father-in-law was deeply proud of his role as town crier.

"He used to call himself rent-a-mouth - have mouth will travel," Mr Harper said.

"He just loved doing it, he loved to be heard. He turned up at any occasion, whenever he was needed, he'd go everywhere.

"We knew he did all this but until we've opened up all his boxes since he died, we didn't realise just how much he'd done. It's amazing."

Dressed in his regal red robe, Percy drew crowds wherever he went.

In 1999, he was a public face of the Save Banks's Brewery campaign, while in 2011 he entertained crowds at the Mander Centre when he recreated the declaration of Wolverhampton being awarded city status.

Last year, he was still in fine voice when the people of Wellington turned out to celebrate their market charter.

Councillor Roger Lawrence, leader of Wolverhampton City Council, paid tribute to Percy.

He said: "Percy was one of Wolverhampton's real characters. He was active over many years in Whitmore Reans, particularly through his work on the police liaison committee.

"He acted as volunteer town crier for a long period, even after he moved to Shropshire to be closer to his relatives.

"This is very sad news and our thoughts are with his family at this time."

As for the man himself, in an interview with the Shropshire Star in 2012 he revealed his love for his hobby, speaking of his pride at naming Wolverhampton as a city in 2000.

"The world cameras were on me that day in the square of Wolverhampton," Percy said.

"It took me around the world and back again – it was shown in America, Australia, Bermuda and Germany."

"I don't feel like I'm in my 90th year – I feel like a 16-year-old.

"If the town criers are younger than me, they have got to keep up with me – you've got to enjoy life."

Percy's funeral will be held in Shropshire later this month and is being handled by Harry Edwards & Sonds Funeral Directors in Wellington.