Candidates vying for town crier role compete in cry-off

A 'cry-off' saw four potential criers read prepared speeches in a contest to be the Royal Borough's first town crier in a century.

They were put through their paces on the steps between the Windsor Royal and King Edward Court shopping centres at 12.30pm today in front of a crowd of 60 people.

Town criers from Wiltshire were present in their uniforms to offer support and advice.

Chris Brown, Mike Foster, David Pelling and Roy Austin were the candidates vying for the coveted ceremonial role.

The judging panel on the day included Mayor of Windsor and Maidenhead, Cllr Colin Rayner, Cllr Eileen Quick, Cllr Richard Kellaway, Cllr Alan Mellins and BBC Radio Berkshire presenter Rory McAllister.

They will announce the successful applicant early next week.

Scroll down for profiles of each town crier candidate.

Name: Chris Brown

Age: 44

Address: Vale Road, Windsor

Occupation: Runs a web design company with his wife.

"I really like history and heritage and dressing up, and help out at Windsor and Maidenhead Museum in my spare time.

"I think I would be good at it because I am loud and I have got the build.

"Never before has having had a beard been an advantage for a job, but I think I will look the part. Also, I like people and people like me."

Name: Roy Austin

Age: 58

Address: Wokingham Road, Hurst

Occupation: Distribution for John Lewis by day, master of ceremonies/toastmaster by night.

"I would like to do it because I would get to meet people of all walks of life and I'll be semi-retiring in two years so will be able to dedicate even more time to being a town crier.

"I also think I'm approachable and have the voice to project to give instructions and it is also about being informed.

Name: David Pelling

Age: 66

Address: Fowler Close, Earley, Reading

Occupation: Part-time managing director of a company which makes drying technology for the printing industry.

"I grew up in Slough so I know Maidenhead really well. Me and my friend used to go to Windsor to chat up some young ladies in the castle at the weekends, so I know there well too.

"I think the town crier job is about making people happy and knowing the town."

Name: Mike Foster

Age: 53

Address: Norden Road, Maidenhead

Occupation: Taxi driver in Maidenhead for 23 years.

"In church I'm known as 'no mic Mike' because I've got a loud voice - I just don't need a microphone.

"I think it's going to be good fun.

"I know I'm technically good enough, I just don't have as much experience as some of the others, but I'm going to do the best I can."

Who do you think should be town crier for the Royal Borough? Let us know in the comment box below.