For a decade now, the unmistakable voice of Paul Goring has risen above the cobbles and rooftops of Rye, carrying tradition, cheer and a touch of theatre through the streets. Celebrating ten years as Rye Town Crier this week, Paul has become woven into the town’s identity — a herald of festivals, a guardian of ceremony and a smiling constant at the heart of community life. His bell has marked our moments, his humour has lightened our days and his pride in Rye has shone in every cry.
Let’s meet him!
Had you, when younger, ever thought about being a town crier?
Yes – when I was a child, over fifty years ago, my grandmother used to take me to watch the National Town Crier Championships, which used to be held in Warrior Square in Hastings, and I always secretly fancied becoming a town crier myself. Little did I know that I would one day end up hosting those very same championships in Rye!
What made you apply for the job of town crier?
When Rye Town Council posted the advert for the job, six different people sent it to me saying this is exactly YOUR job!
I’ve always known I had a loud voice, having done amateur dramatics since I was ten years old, which led to me being the narrator/presenter for a lot of local concerts. From that, I progressed to qualify as a toastmaster for weddings and other formal functions, so I suppose that, combined with my love of local history and tradition, made it an obvious choice for me … plus of, course, as I mentioned above, I’d had a secret hankering to be a town crier since I was a little kid!
You are very enamoured of am-dram: do you think your theatre experiences have helped you with your role as town crier?
I think so – am-dram helps build the confidence you need to stand up and address a crowd of people, and also develops voice projection skills, to make you heard. People think criers “shout” – they don’t, they “project”. The volume is generated internally, not forced out by the throat.
What was your first cry? And were you nervous?
It was ten years ago this week! 5 December 2015, for a wedding which my predecessor, the magnificent Rex Swain, was due to cover, but had been taken ill. Yes – incredibly nervous! I was practising the cry in my car all the way over from Hastings (heaven knows what other drivers thought!).
You must have had some funny experiences; can you share a few with us? No names of course!
All crier jobs are fun to do! Maybe one of the most unusual was to announce the name of a chihuahua puppy – and then parade around the streets proclaiming the name, whilst the puppy was carried in front of me on a pink cushion!
One of the funniest incidents – which I suppose I’m a bit cruel in finding funny – was during a wedding when, as I started my cry, a seagull swooped down and liberally splattered the entire crowd of wedding guests with very wet poo! Thankfully, despite the initial distress, they found it funny afterwards!
You must also have had some mishaps too?
I did a cry for a wedding at St Mary’s Church. The bridegroom’s name was Daniel. I knew his name was Daniel. I had a scroll saying “Daniel.” My eyes read the word “Daniel” – and my mouth said “David.”
I’ve no idea why; I was mortified and repeated the cry for them (correctly this time). Afterwards they told me that the bridegroom’s grandfather had been called David, and had died just a few months earlier, so they felt it was grandad forcing me to say his name, to let them know he was there in spirit!
What have been your top highlights?
Many highlights – obviously including bringing the National Town Crier Championships to Rye; I also always enjoy Sussex Day and of course, those events which have been a part of history, such as announcing the King’s Coronation.
How has having Arabella as your deputy changed things?
It’s been a great help! I feel we are Rye’s town crier team, rather than a crier and deputy; it’s so good to know that there’s such a talented voice to share the duties with. We had 108 weddings at the Town Hall this year, plus all the other events I’m involved with – it would have been impossible for me to cover all of those on my own!
How important is it having a town crier for Rye?
It’s vital! Well, I would say that, wouldn’t I? Seriously, a town crier can help bring the community together, can provide a point of focus for events, connects the town to its heritage, helps promote the town and of course, impresses the tourists!
Rye has had a town crier for at least eight hundred years, so I’m just the latest in a very long line – though interestingly, one of my ancestors, John Rogers, was town crier of Rye in the 1720’s!
Do you have to retire at a certain age?
No, traditionally, town crying tends to be more of a retired person’s role. Many of my predecessors over the last two hundred years weren’t appointed until they were past normal retiring age. Unless I get myself sacked, the job is mine for as long as I am capable of doing it! My predecessor, Rex, was 87 when retired. I’m 61, so hopefully I’ve got a good few years left in me yet!
Image Credits: Kt bruce , Tony Ham , Tony Ham , Paul Whiteman .