Bungay town crier Leslie Knowles dies at age of 90

Leslie Knowles was a familiar voice in Bungay at events such as carnivals, festivals, royal anniversaries and street fairs

Mr Knowles, known by many by his boyhood nickname Digger, died at the Chevington Lodge care home, where he had been a resident for just over a year.

Leslie Knowles was the Bungay town crier Picture: Submitted (Image: Submitted)

His wife Wendy said: “Digger was always ready to help people in any way he could.

"We were together 35 years, and had a lovely relationship, and I have memories of great times and great holidays together.”

READ MORE: Town crier celebrates jubilee

Bungay Town Reeve, Terry Reeve, had known him for many years and said he would be a great loss to the town.

Mr Reeve said: “He was a great character - there are not many characters like Les left nowadays.

“He was very proud to be town crier, and carried out the role diligently for around ten years, but he was also well-known in other ways, particularly his work in pubs.

READ MORE: Bungay street art probed by council

Leslie Knowles behind the bar at The Chequers pub Picture: Submitted (Image: Submitted)

“He liked nothing more than sitting in the bar recounting humorous anecdotes and stories which everyone around him enjoyed.”

Born in Bungay, Mr Knowles did his National Service in the army, spending time in Singapore.

Later he went to work at Clay’s printing works and he then went into business with Russell Sutton, doing flat roofing.

For some years Mr Knowles lived in Broad Street, before he and his wife took on the Royal Oak at Poringland, running it for five years.

Leslie Knowles during his time in the army Picture: Submitted (Image: Submitted)

Back in Bungay, he ran The Chequers in Bridge Street for a while, and also did relief work at other pubs.

READ MORE: Panto fun coming to town

Mr Knowles loved playing football, darts, cricket, pool, snooker and bowls.

He took on the role of town crier after winning a competition for the post after David Hollis stood down.

His funeral service will be at Emmanuel Methodist and United Reformed Church in Bungay on Tuesday, January 23 at 11.30am.