'Oyez Oyez' - Bromsgrove to host national town crier competition this weekend

A TOTAL of 25 town criers will descend on Bromsgrove tomorrow (Saturday, June 14) for a prestigious UK-wide competition.

The National Championship of the Ancient and Honourable Guild of Town Criers will celebrate the 40th anniversary of Bromsgrove Town Crier Kevin Ward.

Most of the criers will be from across the UK but Judy Campbell is flying in from Australia to take part in the contest.

From left to right, Adrian Holmes of Lichfield, winner Paul Gough representing Nuneaton and Bedworth, host David Parkes, Alcester’s town crier, Kevin Ward of Bromsgrove and Andrew Parkhurst from Clare. Pictures by Lise Evans

Two rounds of crying will take place – at 10am in the High Street with members of Bromsgrove Court Leet and then at Avoncroft Museum.

The President of the Guild, Tony Evans, will be the toast-master attire and the Chairman of Bromsgrove District Council, Coun Sam Evans, is also attending.

Local judges include Bromsgrove Society Vice-Chair Pat Tansell (marking criers on their ability to stick to their submitted script) and textile and sewing experts Brenda Killigrew and past Sewing Bee contestant Jenniffer Taylor will inspect competitors’ outfits.

Music experts Steve Cowperthwaite and Ruth Henley will grade the cries’ clarity and volume and secret judges will watch on as the criers spend time in the High Street and at Avoncroft Museum.

‘Overwhelmed’

About the event Kevin said “Hosting this event in Bromsgrove is a wonderful way to celebrate four decades as Town Crier. I’ve been overwhelmed with support and good wishes for the day, and I do hope the shoppers in the High Street and visitors to Avoncroft enjoy this traditional, colourful and vibrant occasion.

“The two rounds are designed to test both vocal power and crowd-commanding charisma, and I know there will be a dose of friendly rivalry.

“I’m enormously grateful to the team who have helped me organise the event, and to the organisations who have been very generous with their sponsorship.

“I would like to extend my thanks to Bromsgrove Institute Trust, Bromsgrove Society, Bromsgrove Court Leet, Bromsgrove District Council, Bromsgrove Festival, Bromsgrove School, Bromsgrove Cobbler, Destination Bromsgrove, Completely Bromsgrove, The Andrew Harris Trust, The Elmley Foundation, local Councillors Mick Marshall, Josh Robinson and David Nicholl. Also to Allica bank who are supporting the competition as part of its ‘Here Is Where The Heart Is’ campaign.”

Shoppers should listen out for the competitors on the High Street tomorrow morning (Saturday, June 14) and visitors are encouraged to Avoncroft Museum where they can meet the criers up close and soak up the atmosphere.