The Bedellus

Larger then life … you bet! We often say that when two Town Criers get together there is not room for another ego in the room. Now try to come together with your own likeness spread bigger then you would ever imagine on the side of trucks driving all around the country. Take a look, that’s Brent McLaren, the Perth Town Crier and he has just gotten bigger, and bigger and … well … bigger!

The Perth BIA first proposed a sign on the highway coming into Perth a little over a year ago. Who would have imagined that that sign would grown into a series of 8×16 full color moving displays on the side of Wills Transfer trucks. The first panel, unveiled on February 28th, was truly something to ring a bell about!

Annie Dalton, from the Design Network, spearheaded the artistic work and Tracy Wall from Studio 105 Photography handled the camera. SignDesign handled the creation of the panels and the installation of this Roving Crier rolled out right on schedule. Yes, an experienced eye can see how the photo was reversed … take a look at the sash … but there are three other minor fixes in the picture … try to spot those at 100 km/h!

Brent’s beard? Well, it is a little longer then normal, but that is what the winter and a full theatre season (He is currently playing Tevye in “Fiddler On The Roof“) will do occasionally. Spring will soon be here, the final curtain will go down, and maybe he will take it back to where it was … maybe not … Still, that is one big bell and one big Crier!

David McKee, Town Crier for Brantford, Ontario has issued is an invitation to be part of a significant historic event in the City of Brantford to take place on Sunday, June 8, 2008.

“Our new downtown civic square, now named Harmony Square, is the culmination of a downtown revitalization that began in the mid ’90s in response to an accusation that Brantford had the worst downtown in the country! The change is astounding and is to be celebrated with a weekend party which will be topped off by a grand closing ceremony choreographed by Emmy Award winning Cirque de Soleil choreographer, Debra Brown. I believe that Debra’s presence will generate significant press coverage.”

Just prior to the closing, Town Criers will be located in different parts of the square and, on queue, will bring greetings from their home communities and congratulations to Brantford. In December there was a soft opening to launch the skating rink in the centre of the square. David is happy to announce to all Town Criers that the accoustics in Harmony Square are a thespian’s dream! Those who join him will be thrilled by the natural sound projection!

David will supply further details directly to those who commit to helping me on June 8th. For those who would like to make a weekend of it, he could use some help on the 7th, as well, but the 8th will be the big day for us as a group.

Please let David McKee know if you will come and he will put you on his list.