| Date | 9 November 2012 |
|---|---|
| Reference | PN-0004 |
| Volume | People in the News |
| Collection | Press Clippings |
Transcript
Museum helper Chris Brown says the town crier role is something to shout about
Winner is proud and loud – with bells on
By Sonia Kapur soniak@baylismedia.co.uk
A MUSEUM volunteer is the new town crier for Windsor and Maidenhead.
Chris Brown, of Vale Road in Windsor, was announced as the winner on Monday after impressing judges at a ‘cry-off’ on Wednesday last week.
He is the borough’s first town crier in a century.
“I am loud and am used to being told to shut up, but now I won’t have to,” said the 44-year-old.
Chris, who had hoped having a beard would work to his advantage, runs a website design company, Brown Bear, with wife Nicola from their home.
He is a volunteer at the Windsor and Royal Borough Museum and has a passion for history.
He was also a member of the Windsor and Wraybury Archaeology Society before it closed down.
Chris said: “I like talking to people and I often said to colleagues at the museum that what we need is somebody wandering around town and helping people to get around. Everyone only knows about Windsor Castle.”
The new white-bearded town crier used to be a tour guide at Wembley Stadium guiding 30,000 around the venue. “It was my first Saturday job, and I got used to showing people around and shouting from a young age.”
The cat owner made it clear that he is committed to the role, despite the connotations that can be associated with a town crier.
“This is not a joke. I think this role is going to be really important for both Windsor and Maidenhead and its history.“
Wife Nicola is proud of her husband but fears she will not see him as much. “At first I thought, what is he doing now?
“But actually I am delighted for him and will be supporting him at events.“
Mike Foster, David Pelling and Roy Austin were the other candidates vying for the coveted ceremonial role.
‘I am loud and used to being told to shut up. Now I won’t have to‘
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