Trowbridge town crier ‘completely lost for words’ after award

One crier described being at a loss for words “for the first time” after being presented with a prestigious award.

Trevor Heeks, 80, who served as Trowbridge town crier for 38 years, has been awarded the Melvin Jones Fellowship, which recognizes outstanding dedication to humanitarian work.

Melvin Jones founded the charity Lions International more than 100 years ago in Chicago – work that Mr. Heeks has helped continue for the past 25 years at his local Lions club.

He described the award as “beautiful”, adding that he had no idea he was nominated for the award.

During his time as a town crier, Mr Heeks won more than 160 competitions, including the World, European and All England championship titles.

“Most people have a trophy room, I have a trophy house,” he joked during an interview with BBC Radio Wiltshire.

But all these awards have not changed his worldview, he said.

“I’m just Trevor, everyone knows me as Trevor and I’m down to earth and want to help anyone I can.”

He told the BBC that his victories in the town crier championship took on greater meaning because of the difficulties he had faced as a child.

“I used to stutter when I was younger, so it makes me feel proud that I’m achieving as much as I can,” he said.

Looking back to his childhood also informed his passion for giving back by associating with Leos.

“We’re doing what we can,” he said.

“My father died when I was 11 years old, my younger sister was three weeks old.

“It’s been a struggle, but I’ve lived my whole life. My glass is always half full.”

Although there were nearly 30 Lions Club members at his local branch when he joined 25 years ago, the group is now down to about 12 people.

The group mainly raises money for local causes, with some of the fundraising going further afield.

“Ninety-five per cent of the money we raise in Trowbridge obviously stays in Trowbridge, but five per cent goes to things around the world and we’ve had a lot of it recently,” he said.