Newbury’s beloved town crier has laid down his bell for the last time having retired from the post after 25 years. Brian Sylvester, 86, began his tenure as the town crier on April 1, 1999, after he unexpectedly entered early retirement. A quarter of a century later, he has solidified his status as a Newbury icon, well-known for leading pancake races, turning on the town’s Christmas lights, opening shops and being an integral part of civic ceremonies. He said: “I want to go while I’m on a high. “I don’t want to go when people are saying ‘poor old Brian, he’s passed it now’. “I want to go while …