Town Crier
Lend Your Voice: Become Aylmer’s Town Crier
Prior to widespread literacy and the advent of news media, communities would employ a Town Crier to proclaim the news, local happenings and government notices to keep residents informed. Now a ceremonial role, the Town Crier is responsible for announcing local government proclamations, opening community events and celebrations, as well as performing other ceremonial functions on behalf of the Town. The Town Crier serves as an ambassador for the community, promoting and fostering civic pride.
Role Requirements
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Be a resident of the Town of Aylmer or have a long-standing connection to the community
- Possess excellent written and oral communication skills
- Possess a loud, clear and easily understood voice
- Prior experience in theatre, music or the performing arts is an asset
- Be of a friendly, personable disposition
- Possess a sense of humour and the ability to adapt to a variety of environments and situations
- Possess a sense of pride in their personal appearance and deportment
- Possess, at minimum, a basic understanding of the Town, its history, and community
- Possess a sense of pride in the Town of Aylmer and its community, as well as a desire to promote the Town
- Be willing to work weekends, evenings and holidays
Duties and Responsibilities
- Shall act as an announcer and/or toastmaster during Town sanctioned events including, but not limited to, civic functions and celebrations.
- Shall act as an ambassador for the community and its residents.
- Shall attend only Town sanctioned events in their role as Town Crier, unless a formal request for the Town Crier’s services has been received through the office of the Director of Legislative Services. Outside requests for the Town Crier’s services shall be subject to the Town Crier’s discretion and availability, as well as the discretion of the Director of Legislative Services. The decision of the Director of Legislative Services in this regard is final.
- Shall behave with decorum and integrity, treating all people with respect, regardless of their race, age, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability or position.
- Shall make no statement, obligation or commitment on behalf of the Council for the Town of Aylmer and/or the Corporation of the Town of Aylmer.
- Shall not make personal or political proclamations espousing their own views and/or beliefs while acting in the capacity as Town Crier.
- The personal views and beliefs of the Town Crier shall not interfere with their ability to act in the role.
- Shall comply with all applicable Town of Aylmer policies and procedures.
- Shall coordinate with the Director of Legislative Services, or their designate, to write, review, and approve proclamations and cries. Cries and proclamations shall be non-political and non-religious in nature and shall be in good taste and in keeping with the spirit of the office.
- All travel and other expenses are the responsibility of the Town Crier.
How to Apply
Applicants are asked to submit an online application form.
Based on response, applicants may be asked to share a video or audio clip of a sample cry supplied by the Town.