Liverpool Echo, 23/09/2011
I was invited to the “Test Cry” to try out to be Liverpool Town Crier. All very exciting, they were looking for someone to welcome visitors at the cruise terminals, have photographs taken with tourists, attend civic events and be an ambassador for Liverpool.
I was up against two very talented and experienced Town Criers and a Shakespearian actor. Gulp!
Anyway, I didn’t get the position. However I am fondly remembered. Terry Stubbings, town crier of Lincoln for 14 years, got the position. He’s almost thirty years my senior. So I guess I can be patient in achieving this particular ambition!
Here’s the cry I wrote for the test cry.
OYEZ, OYEZ, OYEZ!
Now gather round you townsfolk and listen to my cry,
And when you’ve heard my tale I hope that I’m your guy,
I am that lovesick fool,
in the Port of Liverpool.
So many years I’ve lived here and I cannot say goodbye.
For this land’s the place I love, and here I will stay.
The Leaving of Liverpool would grieve me, each day,
In my Liverpool home,
You will never walk alone.
Love, love, love! Liverpool! I say.
Nil Satis Nisi Optimum is my golden rule.
For culture, arts and heritage, this city is a jewel.
You may search from here to China,
You will find no town that’s finer.
No town finer than my darling Liverpool.
God Save the Queen!
