This painting of the Pilton Green Man Procession in Barnstaple High Street is by Rita Evans, the widow of Tom Evans. He is seen here leading the way with the scroll of his announcement of a market which is delivered on arrival in Pilton. Tom Evans was Town Crier of Barnstaple for many years and led the popular, annual Green Man procession from Barnstaple Museum to Pilton for upwards of 20 years. His proclamation of the appearance of the Green Man and the market was an important part of the magic of the Green Man Day. He will be much missed and a difficult act to follow.
This painting brilliantly captures the enthusiasm of the people of Pilton, Barnstaple and North Devon for Green Man Day. The original painting has been presented to Barnstaple and North Devon Museum where we hope it can be seen at appropriate times of the year.