I was passing the Town Council offices when I noticed a group of Town Criers auditioning a young man who wanted to join their number.

Abingdon has more than one Town Crier.

The Guild of Town Criers has the advantage that collectively they are able to do more events, and be seen in more places. The disadvantage of a guild is that no Abingdon Town Crier will ever win any regional or national competition. They are not allowed to enter because they are not a named individual.

One of the guild members told me that the way round this problem was simple. Every other town should follow Abingdon and have a guild. Then all towns could compete on equal terms and have the benefits.