“Oyez, Oyez, Oyez!” the traditional proclamation of a town crier that summoned my forefathers to hear the news of the coronation of King George III in September 1761, will ring out again on 13 November 2024 to summon the people of Bridport, Dorset, England to witness the presentation of a plaque commemorating the visit of former North Miami Mayor, John Stembridge, to his ancestral home.
“Although I had imagined standing in Bridport and seeing buildings such as the 12th century St Mary’s Church and the 16th century building that is now the town museum, buildings my ancestors who left Bridport in 1755 would recognise, I could not have imagined the welcome I received or the treasured family information the town archive records” explains John Stembridge following his visit to Bridport in May 2023. “The premises that are now Bridport Arts Centre were once the Stembridge family store, and it is in the theatre foyer where the plaque commemorating my visit will be displayed”.
An involvement in Miami philanthropic community activities forged a friendship between John and international entertainer Bryn Yemm. John says “Bryn would talk about his longing to return to his hometown of Abergavenny, Wales and the surrounding mountains, valley’s and castles, while I would express my desire to visit Bridport”.
“It was appropriate that when I was able to fulfil my desire to visit Bridport, Bryn accompanied me and will present the plaque commemorating my visit to Councillor Anne Rickard Mayor of Bridport on Wednesday 13 November”.