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

The planned itinerary for the competition is:

FRIDAY JULY 9, 2010: Arrival at the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) and Durham College anytime after 6 pm. There will be a small reception available upon your arrival or very soon thereafter. We will have the draw order during this time. Your two written cries could be handed in then as well. The accommodations include a continental breakfast, parking and use of the internet.

SATURDAY JULY 10, 2010: Hopefully the bus will pull out at 0945 hours. Anyone driving to the site should note that parking will be limited because there is also  a ball tournament in the stadium next to the Gardens, many pipe bands and a Chinese cultural event at the Festival.

1000 hours: Judge’s briefing.

1030 hours: Cry #1 – Anything to do with International Festivals, Culture, Pipe bands or any distantly related topic. Humour is most certainly welcome. The cry will be done on the south end bridge facing north. Judges will be seated on both sides of the Oshawa Creek.

1200 hours: Opening Ceremonies at North end of Park. Criers welcome but certainly not compelled to attend.

1315 hours: Cry #2 – Anything on General Motors. Again, humour is welcome.

1430 hours: AGM of the Ontario Guild of Town Criers in the Children’s Arena board room. This arena is part of the Botanical Gardens land and is located in the Gardens parking lot on Arena St.

1600 hours: (Or sooner if the AGM is quick) Cry #3 – A cry based on the information given to you after the first cry. There will be no penalties for any historical inaccuracy and no penalties if all the ideas given are not used. The object here is humour and creativity. All other OGTC rules still apply.

1730 hours: Awards. This may be moved to the banquet hour depending on time.

1800 hours: Banquet at Royal Canadian Legion Branch #43, 471 Simcoe St. S. Oshawa. At the banquet, there will a cash bar available, and the dinner menu is beef, Caesar salad, veggies, spuds, dessert, and non-alcoholic beverage.

2030 hours: Head home or bus back to car.

Other information:

Lunch on the day of the competition will be in the form of either a voucher redeemable at one of the many vendors or a cash envelope of $10.00 per person. That is to be determined.

It is a busy day yes, but everything is on site for the contest and we are all housed together and the banquet is close by. A detailed set of travel instructions has been emailed to each participant. Any questions call Crier Bill McKee at 905.982.0433 or email him at mcshout@powergate.ca. It is not too late for Criers who have not stated they are coming to sign on.

The Guild Executive wishes to thank Crier Bill McKee and his wife Liz, as well as any others who are assisting in our annual event. This promises to be another excellent day for all Criers!

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.

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!

Hi Folks,

Bruce

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!>

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

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!

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.

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!