On Monday 13 July Rye’s town crier, Paul Goring and his deputy Arabella Ansar made a joint cry to celebrate International Town Criers Day. There were quite a few tourists who stopped to watch and then engaged with our criers afterwards.
The perfect recipe for a British town crier
Every good recipe begins with the finest ingredients…
Ingredients
• Take one man and woman of good character: Paul Goring and Arabella Ansar
• Add: a gallon of community spirit
• Two pints of dedication
• One pound of commanding presence
• Eight ounces of confidence
• Four heaped tablespoons of tradition
• Three teaspoons of drama
• Two teaspoons of wit
• One generous twist of humour
• A cupful of kindness
• A handful of patience
• A pinch of diplomacy
• A sprinkling of dignity
• A dash of pride in your town
• Three ladles of local knowledge
• A pocketful of smiles
• A barrel of enthusiasm
• A bell polished to perfection
• One magnificent tricorn hat
• A brightly coloured robe, well-seasoned with history
• A sturdy pair of weatherproof shoes
• Lungs capable of outshouting church bells, market traders, the occasional seagull and white vans passing by
• An excellent memory for names and places
• A thick skin for windy days and unexpected showers
• A willingness to stand in the blazing sunshine, pouring rain or biting frost
Method
Carefully blend the confidence, drama and commanding presence before folding in the wit and humour. Stir gently with the community spirit, adding the kindness, patience and diplomacy until well combined.
Season generously with local knowledge and pride in your town. Dress in traditional robes, add the tricorn hat, polish the bell until it gleams and allow the mixture to mature over many years of service. When ready, place in the heart of a bustling Buttermarket, raise the bell high and, with the loudest voice imaginable, proclaim: “Oyez! Oyez! Oyez!”
Serve throughout the year at civic ceremonies, festivals, charity events, royal celebrations and community gatherings. Best accompanied by applause, smiling faces, curious visitors and a town that treasures its traditions.
Chef’s tip: The finest town criers improve with age. They should never be rushed and are best kept at the very heart of their community.
The photos in the article were taken during the making of a promotional video showing the many sides to our wonderful town criers.
Image Credits: Kt bruce .