Arthur Lowe, Master Swimmer and husband of Town Crier Marion, competed in a regional gala on 31st May at Birmingham University in his new age group of 90-94 years. He entered five races, came first in all five and won five British records!

Arthur is now the fastest 90-year-old male in Britain to swim 50, 100 and 200 metres freestyle and the 50, 100 metres backstroke.

A few weeks later, Marion was also competing, this time representing Shipston in the Ancient and Honourable Guild of Town Criers national championship in Bromsgrove.

Although she was not placed - ‘It’s hard to compete against a big chesty male with a loud voice!’ – Marion, as one of only four women criers, was complimented on her precision and diction as she took on the challenge of a cry of 120 words on the topic of Why Visit Museums, while ringing the auctioneer’s bell currently on display at the museum.