Lee Storey is a regular 12-year-old. He plays video games, reads a bit and is a member of his local swimming club. But one of his hobbies is certainly something to shout about.
You see, Lee is Newport’s Junior Town Crier. It is a role that has seen him named Newport Young Citizen of the Year and earned him an accolade at school for his contribution to the community.
So where did Lee’s story - sorry Lee - begin? “Newport’s Town Crier Peter Taunton put up a poster at Newport Infant School saying he was looking for a Junior Town Crier,” says the Burton Borough student.”
“Mum got me and my younger brother, Cameron, to do some Oyez Oyez in the house and asked if we would like to do it in public. Cameron said No way but I said Oh yay.” Peter’s wife Maureen makes the uniforms, Lee’s being a replica of her husband’s. Lee’s enthusiasm for the role, from the age of 7, has never gone away and he is a regular at lots of events.
“I attend The January Jog and St George’s Day, where I help with the ‘mile of cash’. Among my many appearances, Newport Carnival is always a favourite and I would like to thank all the people of Newport who turned out this year in such awful weather. Last year I went to the Loyal Company of Town Criers AGM and did my first official solo proclamation. I hope I made a good impression.”
And what does Lee’s family think? “We are really proud of Lee,” says his mum, Liz. “He enjoys the role of Junior Town Crier and long may he continue.” Oyez to that.
