DOES any Island town or village want a crier?

Steve King, former Ryde town crier of ten years, is searching for a new position.

He is looking for a role on the east or south of the Island and will provide all expenses, regalia and bell, so long as he can find a new town or village to serve.

Steve had been town crier for Ryde since 2009, when he was offered the voluntary role after being steward at the British Legion, but he was recently told his services were no longer needed.

Instead, he became the temporary crier for the City of Southampton but, now they have found a permanent candidate for the job, he wants to continue doing the role he loves.

As town crier he opened shops and restaurants, announced news and took part in competitions across the Island.

Steve said: “I really am in limbo. It doesn’t cost them anything, and we advertise their town, so Ryde have lost a lot. It’s free advertising.

“I just like doing it and it’s good for the town.”

Steve can be contacted on 07534105793 or 611306.