DO you have what it takes to become Ross-on-Wye’s town crier?

Ross Town Council is hoping to recruit a new crier to be in post in time for the 75th anniversary commemorations of Victory in Europe Day in May.

The position of town crier is open to anyone over the age of 18, and the prime requisite is to have a loud and clear voice.

Applicants will be invited to ‘have a go’ in March and a panel of judges will include Bromyard’s town crier, Peder Nielson, who was named national champion at the Ancient and Honourable Guild of Town Criers competition in 2019.

The town council is developing its tourism strategy and seeks to increase various cultural events within the town.

Councillors felt that now was the ideal time to appoint a town crier as the council is supporting festivals such as Gilpin 2020 and the national VE commemorations.

Mayor Jane Roberts said: “Ross-on-Wye is a lively place that values its heritage, so it makes sense to recruit a town crier to make our events even more special.

“I am looking forward to hearing the applicants in full cry in March.”

The tradition of town criers is thought to go back thousands of years.

When few people could read or write, town criers were key to getting information to people.

Today, town criers help to promote civic pride and add spectacle to the streets.

Not only will a town crier help bring the Market Place alive but he or she will be able to let both residents and visitors to the town know what is going on.

Anyone interested in this voluntary post can find out more by contacting the project officer at Ross-on-Wye town council by calling 01989 562373 or by emailing deputy@rosstc-herefordshire.gov.uk.

People can also get information by visiting the council’s website and Facebook page.