Former church worship leader and postman, Bob Lloyd, has been appointed as Norwich City Crier after a six-year apprentice as deputy. Keith Morris reports.
Bob officially took on the civic post from his predecessor David Bullock in a ceremony at City Hall on January 13.
David has been City Crier for over 30 years and represented Norwich in town crying competitions all over the world, winning several. In 2001 he was runner-up in a competition to be named best town crier in the world.
Lord Mayor of Norwich, Cllr Marion Maxwell, presented David with a certificate to mark his retirement and David in turn presented the Civic Stave to his successor Bob.
Bob said: “I am extremely honoured to succeed David and am not sure I will be able to live up to the high standard he has set, but I will do my best.”
Bob was appointed as David’s deputy in 2010 following an interview and a successful ‘test cry’ from the steps of City Hall. His previous employment had been as a baker for 20 years and then for the next 23 years at Royal Mail.
He had also had over 40 years’ involvement with local churches as a worship leader, and his outgoing personality and experience as a professional toastmaster stood him in good stead.
He will take over civic duties such as at Freemen of the City ceremonies, leading the annual Lord Mayor’s procession and proclaiming the appointment of the new Lord Mayor and Sheriff from the steps of City Hall every May.
Bob is also available for hire to raise the profile of shops and businesses on the streets of Norwich and will continue his work as a professional toastmaster attending upwards of 30 events each year.
These include weddings, award ceremonies, fashion shows, corporate dinners and charity balls. He has helped to open the Celebrate Norwich & Norfolk events on several occasions. “Every couple whose wedding I do get prayed for,” said Bob.
He also keeps busy three days a week working as delivery driver for a local florist in Norwich and at Christmas time he can be found wearing yet another red suit in grottos around the county.
Read our previous article about Bob.
www.toastmasterbob.co.uk
https://twitter.com/toastmasterbob
Pictured top, new Norwich City Crier Bob Lloyd, right, with his predecessor David Bullock on the balcony of City Hall (courtesy of Norwich City Council), and above, Bob helps to open a Celebrate Norwich & Norfolk event.
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