Bellowing pair battle to be crowned the next town crier

Oyez! David, 67, to take over from stalwart Alan

A bellowing battle took place on the steps of Scarborough Town Hall, and a new town crier has been announced.

For over three decades, Alan Booth’s exuberance as town crier shone through and he became a familiar and beloved face around the town.

When Alan announced his retirement earlier this year, the search began to find the next town crier.

A gruelling process of interviews and character references began before two men were handpicked to audition on the steps of the town hall, overlooking the gardens.

With the stunning Scarborough shoreline in the background, the contenders bellowed their cries, one they wrote themselves, the other a “cry” about Yorkshire, before a panel of judges and an intrigued crowd that gathered.

The two finalists, David Birdsall and Darren Foster, are a whopping 38 years apart, as Darren is only 29, and both brought something new to the table.

But it was David Birdsall who came out the judges’ favourite and was announced Scarborough’s next town crier by the Mayor, Cllr Tom Fox, on his official Twitter account.

David will now take on the role as town crier and all the responsibilities that go with it.

He said: “I’m completely over the moon, I’m extremely pleased indeed. I think it has become the pinnacle of my life.

“I gave that little bit more because I knew I was up against a serious competitor.

“This puts the icing on the cake and I’m going to put my heart and soul into this.”

David is experienced in public speaking and has taken part in many roles since 1970 when he made a speech for the East Riding Young Farmers’ Club.

Retired town crier Mr Booth said: “I think he’ll [David] make a really good town crier, he’s got the dignity, he’s got the Scarborough standard with good manners and he’s approachable and this is what we look for in town criers.

“We have had some nice character references sent in about him too.”

Alan will now be passing on the bell to David who will carry on Scarborough’s legacy.

Alan added: “I’m sure he will carry on that legacy and he will bring his own character to the floor, and he will project himself.

“In this you have to be yourself and be comfortable with what you’re saying.”

David has been fitted for his town crier’s uniform and eagerly awaits his first appearance as town crier.

‘I think if I can do my best to help promote Scarborough I’ll be very pleased

about that’ “I think this could be a pinnacle of my life after years of various public

speaking”

Newly appointed town crier