For most visitors to Bermuda, their vacation is a time to forget about work commitments and take a break from routine.

But that wasn’t entirely true for visiting couple John and Liz Scholey, who flew in to Bermuda from Royal Tunbridge Wells in Kent, UK, last Thursday.

For Mr Scholey is the Town Crier for his hometown in south east England, and could not resist the chance to perform his civic duties in the historic setting of St George’s.

On Saturday Mr Scholey, dressed in 17th century uniform of tricorne hat, waistcoat and buckled shoes, accompanied St George’s Town Crier David Frith in welcoming visitors to the town.

Mr Scholey, who has been a town crier since 2006, took the opportunity to tell visitors about the history of his own town, which was founded in 1606 — just three years before settlers arrived in Bermuda.

An ailing nobleman staying at a nearby hunting lodge discovered a spring on the site of the current town, and, after drinking its waters, was restored to full health. He told his high-society friends about the miracle cure and it eventually developed into a spa retreat popular with royalty. Queen Victoria was a frequent visitor.

Back in England, Mrs Scholey also wears 17th century costume for her work as a ‘dipper’, handing out cups of the restorative water to Tunbridge Wells tourists.

After the couple had completed a walking tour of the town and Mr Scholey had made his speech, they joined other visitors as the town’s own ‘dipper’ was wheeled out for action and a “nagging wench” was dunked in the harbour from a ducking stool in a re-enactment of 17th century justice.

Mr Scholey will be in Hamilton today as the guest of the capital’s town crier, Ed Christopher.