Town seeks crier to continue 450-year tradition

A town is seeking a new town crier to keep alive a 450 year tradition.

Kendal Town Council is looking to replace Richard Matthews who held the role for 14 years and retired in June.

The authority's events and civic officer, Simon Unsworth, said the new title-holder would have to be "slightly extroverted", ring a bell at civic events, and "bring people's attention to things".

Shortlisted applicants will then face off in a public cry at a farmers' market in November, Unsworth said.

Unsworth said there had been an official crier in the town for "well over 100 years" but the tradition went back about 450 years and was "hugely important".

"You can sort of trace it right back to the town's first charter and the original mace-bearers who almost certainly had a role in making proclamations on behalf of the council," he said.

"Ultimately that part of the role becomes part of the town crier's role."

Former crier Richard Matthews previously told BBC Radio Cumbria that one of his fondest memories of the role was when he was officiating at the appointment of Cumbria's new high sheriff.

"That was a very proud moment," he said.

Unsworth said Matthews had done a "fantastic job" but the town council was hoping the new incumbent would "make the job their own".

Interested applicants can apply via email to the town council or attend Kendal's autumn fare on Sunday where the authority will be on hand to talk individuals through the job.

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