John Stevens

Bellman to the Common Council of the Burgess of Alnwick. 

The Common Council are the Freemen, (hereditary appointments) and were responsible for appointing the Bellman. The title is a bit of a mouthful so John is known locally as the "Common Bellman". 

His livery is based on the Duke of Northumberland's Coachman in the Duke's colours of blue and gold. The coat is quite long and John is quite short!  John likens the visual result to a cross between a Dalek and a Toby Jug.

His wife and escort dresses as the wife of a Border Reiver, in that part of the world where the English Scottish border moved back and forth on a daily basis!

John has won several competitions in Blackpool, Dunfirmline, Edinburgh, Knaresborough, and has been placed in many more.  John's main reason for entering competitions is to promote friendship, fellowship and good will to all folk. Long may it be so!