| Date | 25 October 2013 |
|---|---|
| Source | Windsor Express |
| Reference | PN-0009 |
| Volume | People in the News |
| Collection | Press Clippings |
Transcript
Oyez, oyez, oyez. Town crier is best in the land
Winner against 25 opponents in 61st championships
By Francis Batt, francisb@baylismedia.co.uk
TOWN crier Chris Brown had something to shout about this week.
The man who delivers the latest news at full volume to the people of Windsor and Maidenhead has won the 61st National Town Crier Championships in Hastings, after delivering a eulogy on the delights of the Royal Borough.
Chris, 45, who lives in the Clewer area of Windsor, was competing against 25 other town criers from all over the country – and even some from Holland and Belgium – at the event on Saturday.
His proclamation about his home town included references to Brunel’s railway bridge in Maidenhead, the Fat Duck in Bray, the Sir Sydney Camm Memorial in Windsor and, of course, the world-famous castle.
But things almost went wrong.
Chris said: “Our second round cry was on the compulsory topic of Prince George, but after failing to even remember to stand on the podium in round one and fluffing my first sentence, I was sure I was already out of the running, although I did think I might be in with a chance of winning the ‘best dressed’ award.”
In the end, the best dressed cup went to one of the Dutch contestants. But when they announced the overall champion crier, it was Chris’ name that was called out.
He is the Royal Borough’s first town crier in a century, and was chosen a year ago after a cry-off in Windsor which pitted him against three other hopefuls.
Photo: IN FINE VOICE: Town crier Chris Brown extolled the virtues of the Royal Borough to take the top trophy in the championships. Ref:118063-6
(Text in the parchment graphic on the top right)
I bring greetings from the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead.
Seventy-one miles from where we stand, on the banks of the River Thames, my borough boasts many unique attractions.
Brunel built the world’s widest brick arch bridge at Maidenhead.
One mile downstream at Heston Blumenthal’s Fat Duck restaurant, Snail Porridge is still a popular dish.
At Windsor, a full-sized Hawker Hurricane fighter commemorates Sir Sidney Camm, the plane’s designer.
The 1,000 rooms of Her Majesty’s castle delight visitors from all over the world.
On behalf of his worshipful the Mayor, I invite you all to come and visit us soon.
God Save the Queen.
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