The Bedellus

My Lords and Ladies, as I sit to write my final comments, I am having a hard time trying to figure out what to say. (I know, hard to believe isn’t it?) These past 2 years have gone by so quickly. As I near the end of my appointment, I feel some relief that it is over, and some disappointment as well. These past 2 years have been a whirlwind for me, with going back to school full time, starting a new business, my fair board commitments, planning the 2006 North Americans and moving. I feel that at times Guild stuff got put on the back burner or neglected. For that, I apologize.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Guild for giving me the honour of being your President during these past two years. To the executive, I thank you for your support during that time. A special thanks to Brenda for all her help as secretary, keeping me informed about what to do. I know Brenda will be missed as the secretary, when she retires from that position in the new year. To the new President and executive coming in the new year, all the best.

I would like to extend a special thank you to all the Criers who had taken the time to host or had planned events throughout this year, congratulations on an excellent job done.

On behalf of Lois, Danielle, Sonya and myself, as we enter into this festive season, we would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and the Happiest of New Years.

Doug Turvey
OGTC President

Here are the results from the Competitions held this year:

Results of Tulip Time Festival Competition in Holland, Michigan in May 2006

First – David McKee, City of Brantford
Second – Chris Whyman, City of Kingston
Third – Bill McKee, Uxbridge / Pt. Perry/ Oshawa

It rained most of the time including during the parade. Ruffles and feathers were dampened, but not spirits.

Results of the Muskoka Pioneer Power Show held in July 2006:

First Prize – Crier Bill McKee – Uxbridge / Pt. Perry/ Oshawa
Second Prize – Crier Mark Molnar – St. Catharines
Third Prize – Crier Les Whiting – Petrolia tied with – Crier Steve Travers – Barrie

Special Prize – Crier Ian Burkholder awarded for “Best Researched Cry” for the International Harvester Cry he did.

There were 11 Criers participating in capacities as Host, Benchmark Crier, Judge & Competing.

Special Note: Proudest Cry of the day given by Crier Ken Templeman announcing the birth of his first grandchild born July 08th!

Mayor Scott Northmore attended the BBQ and presented “Certificates of Participation” to each person.

Ontario Guild of Town Criers Championship Results held in Uxbridge – July 2006

First Place: George Sims, Municipality of Chatham-Kent
Second Place: Chris Whyman, City of Kingston
Third Place: David McKee, City of Brantford

North American Town Crier Championship Results held in Ingersol, Ontario in August 2006

First Place: Bill McKee, Uxbridge / Pt. Perry/ Oshawa
Second Place: George Sims, Municipality of Chatham-Kent
Third Place: Chris Whyman, City of Kingston

There were 28 Town Criers were in attendance.