The oldest macebearer in the country

will be carrying his badge of office for the last time next Thursday.

Mr Jack Gilbert, macebearer at Torrington for the past 25 years, has decided to call it a day – and who could deny him that right now he has reached the age of 88? 

Jack has become as well known as a part of the civic ceremony as he was as a soccer player more than half a century ago when Torrington Football Club was in its heyday. An inscribed clock with which he is to be presented by the Mayor, Dr Harry Cramp, at the May Fair’s opening ceremony.

Another well known character, Mr Bert Waldron, who has already brought fame to Torrington as its championship-winning town crier – is to succeed him as macebearer.

Gazette article dated 28 April 1978