Chadderton seeks new town crier

RETIRING . . . Chadderton town crier Reg Lord

CHADDERTON town crier Reg Lord is hanging up his bell after nearly 13 years in the role.

And now the search is on for someone to fill his red cloak, embroidered waistcoat, frilly shirt, knickerbockers, stockings and tricorn hat.

Reg (66) originally took up the mantle as a one-off to celebrate Lancashire Day in November 2002.

He dressed in a hired costume and read the Lancashire proclamation in the town centre.

But the role was then officially recognised by the local area committee, which bought him a purpose-made town crier outfit — and since then he has appeared at dozens of local events.

But now Reg has retired as an accountancy lecturer and moved to the Macclesfield area, the hunt for a replacement has begun. And someone is needed fairly quickly: Reg is unavailable for the Chadderton Day celebrations on July 13 and the Christmas lights switch-on on November 29.

Reg said: “I’ve enjoyed it thoroughly. The only reason I am retiring is I have moved and it is just not possible to come back regularly.”

He believes the role has helped to promote Chadderton.

“First and foremost you have got to be enthusiastic. You need a presence and a good voice but not necessarily a loud voice, because at the bigger events you often use a microphone.

“You need to be proud of the local area and want to promote Chadderton.”