The local council in Swadlincote, Derbyshire, has got Heritage Lottery cash to hire a town crier but sadly there's no one to do the shouting
A town crier trial had to be called off when no one turned up for the audition.
Residents in Swadlincote, Derbyshire, had been called upon to showcase their best bellows as part of a competition to find the market town’s first ever crier.
The local council first announced its intention to appoint a town crier in April when candidates for the role were invited to apply for the opportunity to show off their vocal skills.
In anticipation of a successful appointment the council bought town crier regalia including a red tunic, tricorn hat, shoe buckles and a bell.
But the audition was shelved after no one took up South Derbyshire District Council’s invitation to apply to take part in the trial.
Undaunted, the council re-advertised with several candidates applying. The second trial was set for last Friday, with Peter Taunton, the official British Town Crier, in attendance to pass judgement on the candidates.
But the two candidates chosen for the audition did not appear.
Despite the setback, Kate Allies, the council’s environmental development manager who is leading the search for the town crier, remains positive that one will eventually be found.
She said: "We had some very strong candidates for the audition and whittled the number due to attend down to two. Unfortunately neither could be there because of family reasons.
"We won’t give up on our search. We are confident we will get enough candidates for another trial and have a town crier in place by the end of the year."
Mr Taunton said: "It is really sad that this has happened.
"Swadlincote is a brilliant area. Anyone who needs advice or help can talk to me."
When finally appointed, the town crier will be required to make public pronouncements and attend civic functions.
The council says candidates - male or female - need strong vocal abilities, a dignified demeanour, be able to travel to engagements and ideally manage their bookings by email.
Though the expected hours are a minimum of three to four per month, it is thought that this will increase as local organisations and businesses will be able to book the crier’s services. The crier would be paid between £9.20 and £10.20 an hour.
When finally appointed the town crier’s role will be funded by help from a £400,000 Heritage Lottery Fund to Swadlincote, part of which is earmarked to promote the town.
Miss Allies added: "The town has a rich past and is now the thriving main settlement in South Derbyshire. We think the sight and sound of a traditional town crier will only add to its special character."
(Source: Mirror)
