YEOVIL NEWS: Full results from town crier competition

THE annual town crier competition in Yeovil on Saturday (April 26, 2014) has been hailed a big success.

Town criers from far and wide came to keep up the ancient tradition of Crying and compete in the 20th anniversary competition.

Two town criers who attended the first competition in 1994 also competed in this year’s event - Anthony Evans, town crier of Nailsworth/Minchinhampton and David Wathen of Gillingham, Dorset.

A total of 20 town criers, all members of the Ancient and Honourable Guild, enjoyed a fantastic day as guests of Yeovil Town Council.

PHOTO - TOP: Mayor of Yeovil, Cllr Manny Roper, second left, with Yeovil town crier Bruce Trigger, left, Crewkerne town crier David Craner, second right, and Ilminster town crier Andrew Fox.

The weather though cold and windy was on the whole kind to the criers. A colourful and warm spectacle entertained shoppers throughout the day as each competitor performed their home town cry in the morning and a cry of their choice in the afternoon in the open air entertainment area in the presence of the Mayor and Mayoress, Cllr Manny and Barbara Roper.

The formal system of town criers dates back to the Middle Ages, when a reliable and trusted person with a clear, loud voice was required to keep citizens informed of matters of national and local importance.

The historical significance of the town crier is greatly valued and is celebrated at this event, which brings colleagues together from all over the country.

The successful town crier this year in a very close competition was Jon Bartholomew from Hastings, Sussex.

Bruce Trigger, Yeovil’s own town crier would like to extend thanks to Yeovil Town Band, the Mermaid Hotel, Yeovil Shopmobility and to all the organisers, officials and judges.

“Their hard work has once again made this a very successful event,” he said.

Results: Overall - 1 Jon Bartholomew, Hastings; 2 Ken Knowles, LichfieldCity; 3 Roy Goodwin, Ilfracombe.

Best dressed cider – Les Ellis, Dartmouth; Best dressed escort – Caroline Cunliffe, Dawlish; Best dressed crier and escort – Anthony and Jennifer Evans, Nailsworth/Minchinhampton.

All competitors were awarded a certificate and given a memento.

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