Oyez! Oyez! (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Oyez! Oyez!

8:27am Tuesday 23rd September 2008 in Swindon By Gazette Reporter

Town criers from all over the country got into fine voice for a competition in Wootton Bassett to see who could cry the best oyez'.

The hopefuls took to the stand, ringing their bells and in booming voices told the crowd about their own home towns.

Criers from Arundel, Crewkerne, Newton Abbott and Ledbury travelled to the all-day event on Saturday, as well as criers from neighbouring market towns including Trowbridge, Westbury and Melksham.

Each entrant was given free rein to shout about a subject of their own choice in the afternoon.

The event was organised by The Ancient and Honourable Guild of Town Criers and organised by Wootton Bassett town crier Owen Collier.

"We had a great turnout for the event," said Owen, who has been Wootton Bassett town crier since May 2004.

"It's always a great event but we had a lot of town criers turn up from all over the place, not just in the neighbouring towns."

Town crier David Fry from South Gloucestershire was named the overall winner, not only because he represents the largest area of all the town criers but also because of his novel way of keeping locals in his area up to date with what's on.

"He sings his cries more than bellows them," said Owen.

"It's definitely different and worthy of first place."

Second place was awarded to Roy Goodwin from Ilfracombe in North Devon and third place was Trevor Heeks of Trowbridge, who is reigning UK and European town crier champion five years running.

Owen, who is best known for his snappy dress sense, passed his best-dressed crown to Roy Goodwin, because, as host, he was unable to take part in the competition.

Owen now has to gear up for another town crier competition next year.

The town has formally applied for a charter from The Ancient and Honorable Guild of Town Criers in order to hold the Guild Championships.

"It's a great role to hold in the town," said Owen.

"And to hold the championships here will be tremendous."