Monday July 8 was International Town Criers’ Day and Paul Goring and his deputy, Arabella Ansar, wished a happy day to all fellow criers and bell-men and women. They also took the opportunity to confirm that Rye will again host the National Town Criers’ Championship in October.
He explained: “Rye has had a town crier for at least eight hundred years, and I’m both proud and lucky to be the latest in a very long line representing this antient town! Remembering also my predecessors in the role:
- Rex Swain 1999 – 2018
- Gusty Gale 1980 – 1994
- Percy Sherwood 1970 – 1980
- Fred Parris 1952 – 1970
- Frederick Smith 1935 – 1952
- Billy Clark 1899 – 1934
- Edwin Hollis Pulford 1877-1899
- James Vennall 1857 – 1876
- William Stanley 1835 – 1857
- James King 1820s – 1835
….and at least six hundred years of unnamed Rye criers before them. Many thanks to Rye Town Council for their continued support for the role!”
What does you job mean to you?
“I have the best job in the world. I love the fact that I am maintaining an eight-hundred-year-old role in one of England’s most beautiful and historic towns and that I get the chance to show that town off to visitors and tell them about it. I also hope that my cries bring a sort of colour – and, I hope, joy, to both townsfolk and tourists, and it is always a pleasure to be part of such happy events as weddings and other important celebrations – even if children always mistake me for a pirate!”
What has been one of your funniest moments whilst carrying out your duties?
“I always try to greet the bride as she arrives for her wedding. At one recent wedding I was told that the bridal party would be arriving by minibus: sure enough, a minibus pulled up outside the town hall and its door slid open. I hopped on board, all jolly, bell in hand, shouting “Is there a bride on board?” A busload of horrified people dressed in black stared back at me – they were going to a funeral at the church.”
Arabella Ansar talks about being deputy town crier: “As the first female in East Sussex to be appointed, it is a privilege and honour to represent Rye as deputy town crier. I enjoy every aspect of the role – from announcing the marriages, escorting the newlyweds though the town, sharing the history of Rye and insider knowledge with visitors and participating in ceremonial and town events. And, of course, ringing the bell and making my presence known for the proclamations. Oyez! Oyez! Oyez!
“It is a responsible and welcoming role in which I get to meet and share joyous moments with people from all over the world. Children are particularly intrigued by the uniform. As one little girl recently commented, ‘Mummy, look! There’s a female pirate!’ It was a valued opportunity to teach her the history of town criers.
“I am grateful to Paul Goring, Rye’s town crier, for being a brilliant mentor. His commitment to Rye is highly evident in everything he does. Thank you to Rye Town Council for appointing me to this rewarding post. Rye is a unique place, steeped in history, and I am proud to represent this ‘antient’ town.”
After the amazing success of last year’s contest, the National Town Criers’ Championships will be held in Rye on Saturday October 12 in the Gun Gardens.
Image Credits: Arabella Ansar , Town Council , Kt bruce , Arabella Ansar .