Watch video as Sleaford Town Crier shouts birthday praises for the Queen and for key workers

John Griffiths said: “I’m out every Thursday night ringing my bell in thanks to the NHS and key workers.”

There is even a video of it on his Facebook page.

This week he also showed his appreciation to Her Majesty the Queen, wishing her well on her 94th birthday along with town criers around the globe, after she opted for a more low-key celebration due to the current coronavirus pandemic restrictions.

He explained this is not something he would normally do on the Queen’s birthday for the town as he is normally working but is currently on furlough leave.

John said: “I was talking to other town criers on Facebook and it just came together that town criers from the Commonwealth joined in as well, so it went worldwide.

“It was arranged for 12noon on the day of the Queen’s birthday. I don’t know how many criers were involved but I know it was quite a few, and every crier wrote their own proclamation for the Majesty’s birthday.”

John posted his birthday greeting on his Sleaford Town Crier Facebook page too, having previously been to Buckingham palace on the Queen’s 90th birthday.

His next plan is to do a proclamation to mark the 75th anniversry of VE Day on May 8.

John said: “I was going to be part of the celebrations at East Kirkby airfield for the anniversary, but unfortunately it was cancelled.”

He was contacted by the BBC to go ahead with some sort of celebration.

John said: “ I will record my proclamation over the internet then they will do their magic in editing it all into the programme.”

Award-winning crier John has previously joined in a ‘cry for peace’, marking the 100th anniversary end of the First World War two years ago.

The Sleaford Town Crier Competition which was due to be held on June 6 has been cancelled due to the current lockdown restrictions andhe is hoping to hold it later on in the year.