East Riding Council has led tributes to Michael Wood, East Riding town crier, following news of his death this week. The council said: “It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Michael Wood, the East Riding town crier.
“Michael has been the town crier for East Riding of Yorkshire Council since 1997 when he won the ceremonial role in a competition. Since then he has become a familiar face at events across the East Riding in his green and gold robes and tricorn hat, attending council meetings, agricultural shows, open days and celebrations.”
Councillor Linda Johnson, chairman of the council, said: “Michael has been a tremendous town crier and has become synonymous with the East Riding. He opened and attended so many events and was always enthusiastic and smiling.
“He will be sorely missed and our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time.” Hull City Council also paid tribute.
Cllr Mike Ross, leader of the council, said: “On behalf of Hull City Council I would like to pass on my condolences to the family of Michael Wood, East Yorkshire’s town crier of three decades. Michael was a remarkable figure at so many events across so many years and his style and flair always added to every occasion.
“I last saw him only a few weeks ago when he was part of the opening proceedings at a local event and his contribution was as powerful then as it always has been. He will be missed by the community that had seen him as one of their own.”
Posts from both local authorities were met with dozens of responses with people offering their condolences and sharing their memories of Michael. Former Lord Mayor of Hull Sean Chaytor said: “He will be sadly missed as he was a genuinely nice guy.
“I recall doing a lot of events with Michael when I was Lord Mayor in 2016-2017 and he was a great character and a true gentleman. He did lots for the University as well as the East Riding.
“A lovely man and he will be missed and remembered by those that knew him and by the public who loved his presence. Rest in peace, Michael.”
Former manager of Bridlington Spa Andrew Aldis said: “In the ten years that I managed Bridlington Spa, I welcomed Michael and Margaret [Michael’s wife] to the building and to countless events. Michael was such a joy to work with.
“He was always full of new ideas and forever planning his next scheme to draw attention to the East Riding. He cut quite a dash in his livery; being such a tall man, he was an imposing figure, but beneath the grandeur was a warmth and generosity that made him a pleasure to be around.
“Every year I would take the pantomime cast to Beverley for the opening of the Christmas Festival. Michael would unveil a newly written cry, cleverly weaving together the plot of the show and the quirks of its star names.
“Then, having captured the crowd’s attention, he’d step aside to let the performers have their moment. He never sought to overshadow anyone.
“He was always respectful, yet completely in command of the occasion. Whenever a civic event was taking place at the Spa, I’d ask the Civic Officer one question: ‘Is Michael coming?’
“If the answer was yes, I knew it was going to be a good day.”
Hedon Town Councillor Colin Billany posted about how much Michael would be missed. “Hedon Town Council was looking forward to working with him next year for Yorkshire Day, repeating his role from 2010 when Hedon last hosted Yorkshire Day.
“He was a larger-than-life character and always finding fun ways to get everyone involved.” Humber Rescue paid tribute, calling him a “much-loved and recognisable figure across the East Riding” who would be “deeply missed”.
The post said: “Our thoughts are with Michael’s family and friends. Fair winds and following seas, Michael.”
Beverley & District Pipe Band said: “Beverley Festival of Christmas won’t be the same without him. Our paths had crossed at various events for about 25 years or more. Lovely bloke. Our thoughts are with his family.”
Many others spoke of the ambassador for the county who, although he had that trademark booming voice, would help people “feel at ease”. One person commented about “such a lovely, genuine, sweet man” and another described Michael as a “wonderful man and a master of his trade”.
People recalled him appearing at events, including posing for graduation photos with students in Hull and making the annual ceremonies “joyous occasions”. One person commented: “He was the crier at my wedding, amazing gent and such a nice person.”
One response said: “Aww so sad, years back I was outside Boyes … and he ooooh yayyyed and I nearly jumped out my skin. He said sorry but we had a good laugh. RIP.”
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