The Crier from the Shire
“It’s great to know you’re part of this [group] who do the same sort of mad thing you do,” Alan Moyse says as he polishes up his bell and boots.
He’s getting ready to welcome cruise passengers into Eden Wharf on the NSW South Coast. “It should be fun,” says the 71-year-old.
However, his wife Wendy won’t be accompanying him to the port.
“While she does sometimes get dressed up too, she still thinks I’m a bit insane,” Alan laughs. “Some people think it’s great, some think I’m a weirdo.”
His loudest recorded cry is 96 decibels, which, as the former HR specialist explains, “in occupational health and safety terms, you’re supposed to wear ear protection”!
The Bega Valley Shire town crier says he is now working to take out the title of Champion of Champions at the National Town Crier Championships.
“Most importantly, I’m just here to have fun and make a lot of noise!” he says.