The Bedellus

David Boyd, the Town Crier for Rideau Lakes sends us this note:

I believe the photograph, taken by my cousin during a parade through the City of Chester, catches my enthusiasm and also caught my surprise when I first spotted my cousin in the crowd!

In every way the Chester, England, World Town Criers Tournament was a great success.

I didn’t win the title of Best Town Crier in the World, that went to my very worthy colleague, Chris Whyman of Kingston. I DID win third place in the Chester Oaks Town Crier Tournament for my creative efforts and humourous presentation. I also was awarded one of the unique terra-cotta sculptures of Chester’s Market Cross, as the “Media Award“, for extensive press coverage promoting the Chester Tournament, thus promoting the city of Chester.

I learned a lot about Town Crying and this will continue to add to my presentations. I was also invited to stand-in for the Chester Town Crier at the “Noon Cry” from the Market Cross. That was a wonderful vote of confidence from our Host Crier.

Also announced at the awards ceremony by Chris Whyman: He and Daniel Richer dit La Fleche, the Crier for City of Ottawa, are working together to put together a World Tournament that would be endorsing the UNESCO World Heritage site, Fort Henry and the Rideau Canal. I look forward to seeing how they plan. Not that I want to be a Host Crier, as Host Criers can’t compete.

So, have a grand day, and take what comfort you may in knowing that a retired public servant is out there, crying on your behalf.

Cheers … David

On literally any weekend the “Limestone City” is a busy place, but added to the bustle of the market, the people filling the stores and restaurants on Saturday, May 22nd, five Criers gathered … four of whom were testing their lungs for the World Championships in Chester, England in June. It was a beautiful sunny day that greeted the Criers and their Escorts who could not escape the literally hundreds of photo requests from the gathering crowds.

Organized by Kingston’s Crier Chris Whyman (kneeling) and Rideau Lakes Crier David Boyd (far left), Bracebridge Crier Bruce Kruger and his wife Lynn, Orangeville Crier Betty Kading and her husband Ron and Heritage Perth Crier Brent McLaren along with his wife Shelley were treated royally.

The Criers strutted their stuff on the Market performing impromptu cries for the merchants and then two cries before the crowds. They toured Kingston on board the Confederation Tour Bus before enjoying what was a meal not to be missed. Hosted by the Kingston Brew Pub the four course “Bell-Ringers Special” meal featured a beer-pairing with each course. The micro-brewery beers (some of which comes from Bracebridge) permeated every part of the meal, from the rolls to the drizzle on the dessert, each course served with a specially selected beer to balance the flavours. It capped the festivities in a unique way and was warmly appreciated by all.

CKWS-TV was on hand to cover the event. You can see their coverage by visiting http://www.ckwstv.com/index.cfm?page=news&id=2530

Everyone walked away a winner from this exceptional day in Kingston.

On Sunday, July 11th Bruce and Lynn Kruger shall be hosting this Annual Competition at Bracebridge.  The format will remain the same as in previous years, which shall include:

CRY #1 – Muskoka Pioneer Power Show
Cry Subject: Anything pertaining to lumber in days of yore… whether cutting, sawyers, selling, hauling, floating logs through the flues, etc.

Arrival 10:00 to 10:30 hrs for coffee/muffins in change/rest area in upper loft of the main red auditorium building at J.D. Lang Park on Fraserburg Road.  Cry will be at the main stage outside and in the event of inclement weather we will give the cries in the auditorium region.

Lunch – On the Patio of Swiss Chalet/Harvey’s    12:30 hrs to 13:30 hrs

CRY #2 – Santa’s Village
Cry Subject: How Mrs. Claus has helped Santa Claus either on one special occasion or over the years to keep him jovial!

Arrival 13:45 hrs at Santa’s Village on Santa’s Village Road and meet at main village centre at large Green Christmas Tree beside Santa’s visitation house. If inclement weather, we meet at the Kodak Tent beside the deer pens.

Social & Dinner – Gathering at Kruger’s on the Muskoka River for refreshments and BBQ.   Please BYOB!

Cries to be received by 11:59 pm on Wednesday, July 7th by emailing to kruger@muskoka.com or by mail to 84 Beaumont Drive, Bracebridge, ON  P1L 1X2

Any questions, don’t hesitate to contact Bruce Kruger either at kruger@muskoka.com  or 705-645-5814

SPECIAL NOTE: Please notify Bruce of your intent to participate ASAP to ensure that sufficient Criers can attend.   We realize that the Provincials are the day before in Oshawa but it concludes right after dinner.  They is no overnight accommodation in Oshawa for the Saturday night and therefore you can either travel direct to Bracebridge or travel home and thence to Bracebridge in the morning.  It will make for a busy weekend but we really hoping to be able to keep this competition going strong with your help!

Congratulations from the Ontario Guild to Bracebridge’s Town Crier, Bruce Kruger, who ended 2009 on a wonderful note … and he sends us this note:

Hi Folks,

Bruce

Perth Ontario’s Festival of Good Cheer had a special guest in the person of Father Christmas, who made his first official appearance on the streets of the town. Call him what you want … a Green Man, Father Winter or the more traditional Father Christmas, it proves to be a wonderful opportunity to meet visitors to Perth and speak about the traditions of the first Christmas in that heritage community. The role is a new addition to the work of Brent McLaren (and his wife Shelley), the Perth Town Crier.

The traditions of “green” and “wassail” put the festive into the winter season. Most countries had some tradition of bringing greenery, song and celebration into the darkest months of the year. In the early 1600′s this blended together into what the British called “Father Christmas.” It would take the Victorians to both perfect it, and then change it. Charles Dickens both set the tone and moved added new traditions in A Christmas Carol. The Ghost of Christmas Present was the second of the three spirits that haunted the miser Ebenezer Scrooge, in order to prompt him to repent. According to Dickens’ novel, the Ghost of Christmas Present appears to Scrooge as “a jolly giant” with dark brown curls. He wears a fur-lined green robe and on his head a holly wreath set with shining icicles. He carries a large torch, made to resemble a Cornucopia, and appears accompanied by a great feast. True to the ancient traditions, the ghost finally disappears at the stroke of midnight on Twelfth Night.

Perth’s Father Christmas continues the ancient tradition of wishing everyone “Waes Hael” … which is Olde English for “Good Health” or simply, “Be Well!” He must never be confused with Santa Claus … that is the one blending that the Victorians themselves started in the 1890′s. No! No! … Dressed in his long green robes, Perth’s Father Christmas reminds us that the season is about enjoying the time we spend with family, with friends and even with our visitors. Father Christmas will be seen at many different events throughout the heritage community in the month of December, and true to form, will disappear for another year on the twelfth night of Christmas.

As new photos of heritage Perth’s latest addition to their historic traditions arrive we will keep them posted here … <click to go to his Gallery!>

On Sunday, July 12th, 2009, the Muskoka Escapades of Town Crying were held at the Muskoka Pioneer Power Show at Bracebridge in the morning. The MPP Show was celebrating their 25th Anniversary. Lunch was enjoyed by all on the patio of Swiss Chalet, the sponsor of this event.

The second cry was held at Santa’s Village along the Muskoka River. Crier Bill McKee of Pt. Perry/Scugog & City of Oshawa won first place overall with Crier Betty Kading of Orangeville placing second. Third place was presented to Crier Mark Molnar of the City of St. Catherines. All prizes were presented by St. Nicholas himself assisted by Mrs. Claus.

After the closing ceremonies, all Criers were taken back to Kruger’s via Santa’s Jet Boat for presentations by Deputy Mayor Steve Clement of Bracebridge who also presented a gift pack from the Town. The evening finished with social time and dinner provided by Swiss Chalet.

It was an honour to have the President of the American Guild, Crier John Karsten and his Grandson, Michael join with us for this competition.

There were ten Criers participating including the Co-Hosts, Town Criers Bruce and Shaun Kruger of Bracebridge.

Photos from the event may be viewed by visiting the Guild’s Photo Gallery

Two members of the Guild reached important milestones this past week having achieved their 25th year representing their community. Ironically Bruce Bedell, who represents the City of Belleville, and Chris Whyman, who represents the City of Kingston and the Thousand Islands live just a short trip along the St. Lawrence River from each other. Both criers are highly respected within the Guild, not only for their abilities to proclaim but through the wisdom they are prepared to pass on to upcoming criers.

Crier Bruce Bedell has even written a book which is the mainstay for Criers who are just beginning. Entitled “The Book of Cries” it is a wonderful resource and chronicles much of Bruce’s early career as a crier. Bruce has taken an interest in the history of the Quinte area, often performing one-man shows in which he brings historical figures to life. Even his last name belies his craft, “Bedell” is one of the terms that originally referred to the Town Crier, coming from the Italian word, “bedelli.” Interesting that this Bedell-man should come from the City of “Bell”-ville; a fact that has not escaped Bruce’s keen sense of humour.

Few can equal Crier Chris Whyman’s status. A World Champion, National and Provincial Champion and the receiver of many honours, he has set a standard for all of the Guild’s criers. As a good-will ambassador for the City of Kingston and the 1000 Islands he is one of the most recognized attractions in the area.  The anniversary date of Chris’s first cry in Kingston was marked with a surprise reception in his honour. Criers David Boyd (Rideau Lakes), Paddy O’Connor (Central Frontenac) and Brent McLaren (Town of Perth) were there to represent the Guild and open the festivities.

Chris and Bruce were two of the Charter Members who formed the Ontario Guild.

Congratulations from the Ontario Guild to these two Criers on these accomplishments. BELLS UP from all of us!

Perennial judges favorite, Bill McKee came out on top this year at the Ontario Town Crier Provincial Championship held in Barrie Ontario on June 6th. McKee, who represents Oshawa, Uxbridge and Port Perry Townships parlayed his charm, humor and exceptional voice towards the victory. McKee is also the current North American Champion Crier.

The Crier for St. Catharines and Lincoln, Mark Molnar placed second while Chris Whyman, from Kingston and the Thousand Islands placed third. Brent McLaren, Town Crier for heritage Perth Ontario, won the prize for the most humorous cry.

The weather was absolutely perfect for the competition and the sponsors in Barrie really looked after the Criers during their visit. Thanks was given to Super 8 Barrie, Lastman’s Bad Boy, The King’s  Buffet, Giant Tiger, Will Marshall Insurance, and Kumon Reading Center. The event marked a small part of the celebration of Barrie’s 50th anniversary as a City and the lakeshore was crowded with families taking part in the many activities.

At the reception three criers were honored with presentations of the Guild’s Exemplary Service Award medal. Crier Jen Olivero, Mark Molnar and Derek Miller received the applause of the members for their work on the Guild’s executive and their hosting of events during their time as criers. The reception was well catered by Pam Wilson Custom Catering. The event’s photographer was Bassam Shmordok.

The Guild also recognized the work of Barrie’s Town Crier Steve Travers and his wife, Linda, for their work in staging this excellent weekend. Several criers rose to congratulate Steve and to ask Councilor Mike Ramsey, who was present representing the City of Barrie, to convey the gratitude of the entire Guild to the Mayor and Council.

The weekend concluded with the Annual General Meeting of the Ontario Guild of Town Criers on Sunday morning. There are many events taking place this summer across the summer and fall.

Over 20 members of the Guild are set to gather in Barrie Ontario for the annual Ontario Provincial Town Crier Championship. Host Crier, Steve Travers, assures everyone that the June 6th gathering will be a wonder day of fun and activity for all.

Many local businesses have contributed to make this weekend memorable. Particular mention has to be made of the assistance of the new Super 8 Barrie Hotel where the Criers will be staying, having the banquet and Annual General Meeting.

The day starts with a Crier’s Parade at 10:00 AM from the Tourism Barrie office at the Southshore Center. The contest starts with the first cry, on the topic “Something about Barrie” at 10:30 AM. The location for the cry-off is at the water fountain on the lakeshore.

At approximately 12 noon the Criers will break for lunch at the Kings Buffet Chinese Restaurant.

At approximately 2 PM they start the second part of the contest at the same location on the waterfront as the first. Now each Crier gets to let loose with an open-topic humourous cry. At approximately 4:30 PM the prizes will be given out and the Criers will head back to the hotel for the reception. Before the reception they have one more duty, to pose for a photo session in front of Lastman’s Bad Boy store, one of the event sponsors.

See you in Barrie!

Among the three people being honoured for their contributions to the community with the Order of Collingwood you will find the name of the President of the Ontario Guild of Town Criers, Ken Templeman. The Order of Collingwood is awarded to residents who show a commitment to their community through volunteer efforts.

The award ceremonies took place at the Mayor’s New Year’s Levee, on Sun. Jan. 4 at Georgian Manor Resort at 1 p.m. The other recipients of the Order of Collingwood are Bill Allan and Frank McNulty.

Templeman is best known as the Town Crier, but has been a volunteer with a host of organizations. The recognition comes just days after Templeman completed his two-year term as Guild President and hands over the leadership of the Guild to Barrie’s Town Crier, Steve Travers. Speaking at the December meeting of the Guild’s Executive, Travers expressed the congratulations of the entire Guild to Templeman as he thanked him for his efforts on the Guild’s behalf.

Templeman was a member of the Collingwood Lions Club for 12 years – serving as treasurer, secretary, vice President, president, district treasurer and zone chairman. He was also awarded the Melvin Jones Fellowship award in 1992-93.

He was also the founding chair for the board of Breaking Down Barriers, Santa Claus parade marshal from 1996-2007 and past director of the F.W. Fisher Foundaton, Bygone Days Heritage Village and Ontario Guild of Town Criers. He has also been the Sergeant at Arms for the Royal Canadian Legion for three years and drum major for the Beinn Gorm Highlanders for seven years.

Templeman said he was told he would be honoured by Mayor Chris Carrier, who asked him to find another Town Crier for the levee as he will be honoured. Templeman said he will still be serving as Town Crier at the levee.