The Bedellus

Bruce Kruger, the Town Crier for Bracebridge forwarded a message which strongly suggests that the World Championships scheduled to be held in Pietermaritzburg in September of 2007 may be canceled. At this time it is important to note this is not an official notice since it has not come from the organizing crier, Peter Southwood.

An email received from Melanie Vaness the Director of Tourism for Pietermaritzburg stated:

Dear Bruce

I was so excited at the prospect of hosting the World Championships in Pietermaritzburg. Peter Southwood came to see me just this morning to say that we are not able to host the event this year. Since our City is still in the process of finalizing budgets for the next year (July 2006- June 2007) we are not able to commit immediately.

It was felt that invitations need to go out now, to allow the Criers to plan (which I do understand), so it is unfortunately a “no-go” for Pietermaritzburg.

Very sad! But we hope that we will be given the opportunity to host a future Championship, which will allow for our budget planning & approval process.

I would so like to host all of you.

Kind regards, Melanie

It would be prudent for Criers to check out the status of the Championships before making travel commitments. The Bedellus will keep you informed as information comes our way.

Followup: The web site of the Ancient and Honourable Guild of Town Criers, the sponsoring Guild, is now reporting that the World Championships has been cancelled. No further information is available on their site at this time.

The cancellation has now been confirmed!

John Karsten, Town Crier for Holland, Michigan, has contacted the Guild to announce that there are still openings for Criers in the Tulip Time Festival held this year from May 9-12, 2007.

Known as the Tulip Time Town Crier Tournament has many prizes for criers: Best Crier $200/ $100/ $50; Best Dressed Crier $100/ $50/ $25; Best Dressed Escort $100/ $50/ $25. Criers arrive Wed May 9, attend the Thursday Mayor’s reception in CITY HALL from 11AM to 1PM and participate in a two cry competition, one about their Hometown and the other an Open cry. On Thursday and Friday there will be opportunities for Sponsor cries (which are not part of the competition.)

During the festival Criers receive free tickets to TULIP TIME SHOWS, a Friday morning brunch for all at the Karsten’s and B&B accommodations again at the Brownstone Apartments on Main Street where all the action is.

To participate Criers must send a $100 (US$) refundable deposit to Joan Vos, 171 Lincoln Ave., Holland, MI. 49423, USA, and made out to TULIP TIME FESTIVAL. Call or mail John Karsten for more details

The Muskoka Escapades of Town Crying Competition date has been changed from Sunday, July 8th to Sunday, July 15th.

The change was required when it was discovered that annual weekend had changed for the Muskoka Pioneer Power Association Show and thus the change for the Competition.

The schedule for the day is:

10:00 – Arrival – Refreshments – Upstairs in Main Red Auditorium Building
10:30 – First Cry – Muskoka Pioneer Power Show
11:30 – Lunch – Supplied by Muskoka Pioneer Power Show
12:30 – Show Opening – Criers will assist in the Opening Ceremonies of MPP Show
13:30 – Second Cry – Santa’s Village
14:45 – Awards – At Santa’s Village
15:00 – BBQ Dinner – At Kruger’s Muskoka River B&B

Criers who wish to register, or who require more information should contact Bruce Kruger.