Oyez, oyez! Let it be known to Fine City folk that Norwich has one of the best town criers in all of the land.

That is the message that Bob Lloyd can proudly bellow from the steps of City Hall this week, after going into battle against his contemporaries at a national final.

Former baker and Royal Mail worker Bob became the official city crier in January 2017, having been deputy to the long-serving David Bullock since 2010.

On Saturday he took part in the annual Warwick Court Leet competition, where he was up against 13 fellow criers.

Norwich Evening News: Bob Lloyd, fourth from left, with fellow town criers in Warwick Bob Lloyd, fourth from left, with fellow town criers in Warwick (Image: Bob Lloyd)

“I did my best but did not finish in the first three," Bob explained. "However, everyone who didn’t finish in the top three gets the same medal which says we all came joint fourth!”

Warwick’s Court Leet was established by Royal Charter in 1554, giving the Earl of Warwick authority to ensure good practice in trade and to try by jury, and punish, all crimes committed within the jurisdiction. 

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Bob, a member of the Ancient and Honourable Guild of Town Criers, was among the procession in the Midlands town's Market Place before heading for the competition in Paegent Garden.

Norwich Evening News: Norwich city crier Bob Lloyd, second from right, at the 2024 Warwick Court Leet Norwich city crier Bob Lloyd, second from right, at the 2024 Warwick Court Leet (Image: Bob Lloyd)

Norwich Evening News: Warwick Court Leet brought together 13 town criers from around the country Warwick Court Leet brought together 13 town criers from around the country (Image: Bob Lloyd)

As well as a ‘home’ cry, competitors had to compose a cry about a subject chosen by the host crier, which was the Guide Dogs National Centre in Warwickshire.

Bob's cry included: “Woof! Woof! My name is Brandy, and I have a friend called Sandy.” 

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Cries were limited to between 100 and 125 words and were judged on “content, dictation and loudness, of course”.

Norwich Evening News: Norwich city crier Bob Lloyd finished joint fourth at the 2024 Warwick Court Leet Norwich city crier Bob Lloyd finished joint fourth at the 2024 Warwick Court Leet (Image: Bob Lloyd)

Norwich Evening News: Norwich city crier Bob Lloyd, front, took part in the Warwick Court Leet Norwich city crier Bob Lloyd, front, took part in the Warwick Court Leet (Image: Bob Lloyd)

Bob added: “I like to make my cries rhyme as I think it makes it more fun.”

Among his upcoming civic events will be the Lord Mayor's Weekend in July, with Bob still "loving the look on people's faces" when he delivers his messages.