Crying for pleasure in Dorset town of Wimborne Minster

With 13 town criers and eight consorts jousting for the coveted title Champion Town Crier of Southern England, along with other awards, the colourful and loud event entertained crowds in Wimborne Square on 1 May.

During two rounds of crying, competitors delivered a cry of 100-125 words that had to include three “Oyez” at the beginning, and end with “God Save The Queen”. Judged by Wimborne Minster Mayor, Cllr Sue Cook, Chairman of East Dorset District Council, Cllr David Shortell, his wife Elizabeth, Cllr John and Ann Burden, and senior lecturer in costume Katrina Lawton from the Arts University of Bournemouth, the results were:

Champion Town Crier – Alistair Chisholm of Dorchester.

2nd John Collingwood, Bridport.

3rd David Retter, Honiton.

Best Dressed Crier – Peter White, Seaford.

Best Dressed Consort – Kassa Retter, Honiton.

Best Dressed Couple – Kevin and Melanie Knapp, Sturminster Newton.

Town Mayor’s Award (new this year) – Chris Brown, Wimborne Minster for organising the proceedings.