Sunken Garden renamed in memory of Lymm Town Crier Peter Powell

LYMM’S Town Crier, AJ Powell has unveiled a new sign, dedicating and renaming the Sunken Garden in the village centre as the Peter Powell Memorial Garden.

Peter was AJ’s Grandfather, and as well as a much loved Town Crier, he was also Treasurer of Lymm in Bloom and a regular volunteer.

In his speech, AJ said: “The Sunken Garden was one of Peter’s favourite places and he often enjoyed escaping there with a cheeky pasty from Sextons”.

Lymm in Bloom organised and delivered the project but couldn’t have done it without the support, skill and time of other voluntary organisations in the village.

James Hurrell, Chair of Lymm in Bloom, commented: “It was lovely to see so many of Peter’s family attend the unveiling including members who had travelled all the way from Devon especially for the occasion. Peter was loved and respected by all those who knew him and is still missed to this day.”

The sign depicting Peter in his colourful Town Crier costume was skilfully designed by Alan Williams of the Lymm Heritage Centre, and funded by Lymm and District Round Table.

Richard Lord, the current Chairman, said: “The Lymm & District Round Table were always proud to have such strong support from Peter for all our charity events, but the Duck Race every Easter Monday became extra special and much loved by everyone who attended.
“When we were asked to help with a donation for the sign for the newly named Peter Powell memorial garden, we had no hesitation whatsoever.
“What better way for us and everyone else in Lymm to remember him by.”
During his career as Lymm’s Town Crier, Peter travelled the world working for Japanese Tractor manufacturers Iseki, but always found time to return to Lymm to help lead events like Lymm Dickensian, Lymm May Queen, Lymm Transport Day, Lymm Duck Race and many more. He also travelled the world representing the village at the Town Crier championships.
He was also Chair of the Lymm Clothing Charity for many years and worked behind the scenes on many community projects.
While his main focus was Lymm, he also ventured out of the village to support and promote many other community events as a Town Crier, including the annual Disability Awareness Day.