Death announced of London town crier Peter Moore, who was a Barnardo's boy in Walsall

Dec 31 2009 by Steve Bradley, Birmingham Mail

A FORMER Midland Barnardo’s boy, who went on to become London’s town crier for 31 years has died.

Peter Moore, 70, died in his sleep on December 20, having enjoyed an illustrious career including worldwide TV appearances.

He suffered a heart attack in the summer but carried on ringing his bell and promoting London right up until his death at his home in Wandsworth.

Mr Moore enjoyed widespread exposure as a guest on The Late Show with David Letterman in the US, and also featured on shows as wide-ranging as GMTV, Ready Steady Cook and children’s favourite Dick And Dom In Da Bungalow. He was also seen on programmes as far afield as Italy and India.

“He had been told that his heart was very weak but he never gave up doing his town crying,” said Mr Moore’s former partner Maxine Howard.

“Peter was a trooper, a workaholic.

“He was a people person. He just adored London.”

Ms Howard said Mr Moore was brought up by Barnardo’s in Walsall, and “ran away to seek his fortune in London”.

He became an actor and played undertaker Mr Sowerberry in the original stage production of Oliver! in 1960 but work later dried up.

Ms Howard said Mr Moore was then asked to act as a town crier for an event and his new role was born.

It was a role which took him all over the world, promoting London as a tourist destination.

Mr Moore also appeared at every one of the New Year’s Day parades through central London and had already recorded scenes welcoming revellers to Friday’s event.

Organisers say the scenes will now be shown as a tribute.

Bob Bone, the parade’s executive director, said: “Peter was synonymous with London and the New Year’s Day parade which he loved so much.”

Mr Moore leaves a son Jamie, 22. Funeral arrangements have not yet been made.