THIS year's May Fair will be opened to a sound not heard in Saltash for hundreds of years. A new town crier is to officially open the event on Saturday, May 3, with the town's mayor. Brian Whipp was recently elected into the role, and will wear his tailored uniform when reading an official fair charter, based on the proclamation read out many years ago by the town sergeant. Saltash has not had a town crier for nearly 900 years, and Brian – who is more commonly recognised locally dressed as Sir Francis Drake – is looking forward to his role. 'Saltash May Fair is an event which has taken place for many years,' he said. 'It is wonderful to see a small part of Saltash history being kept alive in this way and I hope many residents will come down to Fore Street to hear the charter.' Saltash Heritage Museum played a major part in researching the charter and proclamation, the wording for which is being kept a closely-guarded secret and will be heard publicly for the first time at the fair.