CALNE Town Crier Mark Wylie, who is already Cotswold champion crier, was victorious again in Saturday's well-supported competition at Royal Wootton Bassett.
Eleven criers from across the West Country provided a colourful, highly vocal attraction at the Town Hall precinct. Mr Wylie also won the trophy for best dressed crier.
The runner-up was Clive O'Shaughnessy, of Millbrook, Cornwall. Tony Evans, of Nailsworth & Minchinhampton, was placed third. The best dressed escort was Angie Bishop of Frome, and the best dressed couple were Tony and Jenny Evans.
The contest, hosted by Royal Wootton Bassett's Owen Collier, was also attended by three junior town criers: Tom Gahan of Royal Wootton Bassett, Harrison Wylie (the champion's son) of Calne and Carys Cousins of Llandovery, Wales.
The judges were Hugh Jones (volume and clarity); Ruth Sexton (diction and inflection) and Chamber of Commerce President Roz Patton (costume).
Mark Wylie thanked Owen Collier and all who contributed to the highly successful event. "It's been a wonderful competition with a pleasing variety of cries," he said. Royal Wootton Bassett Mayor and Mayoress Ian and Judi Ferries and Deputy Mayor Mary Champion were guests of honour, and enjoyed chatting with the criers afterwards, when everyone enjoyed tea at Church Croft.
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