Town Criers loud and proud in Newton Abbot

Town Criers loud and proud in Newton Abbot

 A GLOUCESTERSHIRE contender took top spot at the Newton Abbot Town Criers’ Competition on Saturday September 5.

The honour went to Jeremy Holland of Cinderford whose masterful vocal skills fended off challenges from Plymouth’s John Pitt, taking the runner’s up place, and Andrew Norris from Wellington in Somerset who came third.

Mr Holland also walked away with the title of Best Second Cry.

Despite missing out on first place, it was otherwise a very successful day for Mr Pitt who took the titles for Devon Championship, Best Dressed Crier and Top Volume.

Best Dressed Crier was awarded to Heather Graham from Dawlish while Jackie Edwards and John Hart from Kingsteignton were named Best Dressed Couple.

The judges included Mayor Cllr Louise Cooke, Newton Abbot MP Martin Wrigley, Sue Joyce, Michael Hadley and Lord of the Manorial Borough Keith Stokes-Smith.

Proceedings got under way at 9.15am with participants, escorts and dignitaries taking refreshments at Austins Department Store.

The first cries, all on the subject of Home Town, started an hour later.

A second round, Umbrellas, commenced at 12.15pm and was followed by the results and prizes before a buffet lunch at The Jolly Farmer.

A closing address was given by Deputy Mayor, Councillor Amanda Ineson.

Afterwards, Newton Abbot Town Council’s Events Coordinator Natalie Hicks, said: ‘Once again Newton Abbot proudly served as host for the annual criers competition and our efforts were very well received.

‘We’d like to thanks Les Ellis, the host Town Crier who under the rules is not eligible to participate, Austin’s Department Store for sponsoring gifts, SIBA Independent Brewers, Keith Stokes-Smith and Yellow Umbrella.

‘Also our score collators Mike and Angie Bishop, the Town Council maintenance officers and councillors for the public address system.

‘The competition is a fine Newton Abbot tradition, long may it continue.

‘And don’t forget, we’re still keen to hear from people who could be interested in becoming Newton Abbot’s next Town Crier.

‘The post is currently vacant and would be a very interesting appointment for someone with a sense of history and civic pride.

‘There’s no payment, but a very fine bespoke uniform will be commissioned for the successful candidate.

‘Please get in touch if you are interested.’

For more information email Natalie.hicks@newtonabbot-tc.gov.uk.

John and Jackie from Kingsteignton with the Mayor, Councillor Louise Cooke and the Deputy Mayor, Councillor Amanda Ineson