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toastmaster, Toast Master, master of ceremonies, UK, master, ceremonies, weddings, wedding co-ordinator, party organiser, marriage, receptions, vip receptions, uk, england, london, great britain, town crier, towncrier, town cryer, guide, london, england, UK, events, parties, royalty, photos, pictures, toast master, toast, town, traditional

toastmaster, Toast Master, master of ceremonies, UK, master, ceremonies, weddings, wedding co-ordinator, party organiser, marriage, receptions, vip receptions, uk, england, london, great britain, town crier, towncrier, town cryer, guide, london, england, UK, events, parties, royalty, photos, pictures, toast master, toast, town, traditional
by Joanna Ku

   "Oyez! Oyez!" yells London Town Crier Peter Moore, in a traditional costume and then in a more conventional greeting, "Welcome to the British Festival in Taipai."

   "Oyez! Oyez!" which meant "Listen! Listen!" is an early forerunner to the American naval command "Now hear this! Now hear this!"

   In the days before cable TV and newspapers, town criers were employed to travel through markets and public places in villages, towns and cities all over Britain to deliver news, announcements and proclamations, such as the results of wars, changes in laws, and important births, deaths and marriages.

   With the fast development of the media, however, town criers have become performers to promote tourism. "When I don't travel abroad, I ring my hand bell in Tower Hill near the famous London Tower for the tourists and the public," said Moore in a sentorian voice, who has been Official Town Crier for 25 years.

   As the only town crier in London, Moore rang his bell in many important ceremonies, such as the wedding of Prince Charles and Princess Diana and the visits of the President of the United States and the Pope. It is also his duty to announce important news of the royal family, such as the birth of Prince William.

   "A town crier must believe in what he is doing. I believe in not only my work, but also my city, London and my country, the Great Britain," said Moore, a former actor, with a solemn look but humorous tone.

   Moore is also the only town crier paid officially by the local London Council, while 30 others spread throughout villages in England are all volunteers. "I read the Council's ad in the paper. I applied for the job and I got it," said Moore proudly.

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London Town Crier Peter Moore

   In addition to being a symbol his job, his traditional garb also makes Moore proud. His tricorne hat with ostrich feather plumes, red and gold robes, white breaches and shiny black boots cost about 2,000 pounds sterling, or about NT$80,000. His robe was made by the Queen's robe makers, while his hand bell was made by the White Chapel Bell Foundry, which also made the Liberty Bell for the United States.

   Having travelled to so many countries, including Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, and now Taiwan, with his bell in hand, Moore said, "I know airports more than anybody else and I enjoy travelling."

   The cool but comical British gentleman also recommended the New Castle Brown Ale as the best medicine to protect one's voice. "I have never lost my voice in the 25 years as a town crier, trust me."