PICTURE:Hartley and crier

On a Saturday noon, town crier Phil Street rang his bell and indited this Cry—

O yez O yez O yez
The year it began was 1967, being a grocer has been Mike's heaven.
Sturches the name of the original shop, eleven grand in the first year, that was no flop.
Dried fruit and nuts, a few loose spices, six days a week, but never a crisis.
Potatoes were sold at tuppence a pound, tuppence, tuppence, tuppence a pound.
Fruit and Veg boxes stacked on the kerbs, nearly forty years and it started with herbs.
Running this business has been no picnic, one of the first to sell organic.
A community man through and through, not just a grocer, but as Mayor too!
President for Panto and the Junior Band, your loyal support has been noticeably grand.
Fantastic support from your children and wife, it's now time to relax for an easier life.
This area of Broad Street will not be the same, Mike Hartley retires, what a shame!
From your customers and townspeople, a fantastic grocer you've been, have a fulfilling retirement and
God Save the Queen!

—after which everyone drank champagne.