THE first town criers’ competition to be held in Newton Abbot since pancake day 2020 attracted 13 competitors from across the south west and was won by Plymouthian John Pitt.
Second place was taken by Phil Northcott of Penzance, despite the event being his first ever, and third by Stuart Cummings from Chard, Somerset.
Newton Abbot’s own Evelyn Davies was unsuccessful in her attempts to gain a spot on the winners’ podium.
Mr Pitt, taking part in his first large competition, was also awarded the titles of best dressed crier, best Devon crier and loudest crier. For the latter he was presented with a cup by former Newton Abbot Crier and Mayor, Ken Purchase.
The gathering took place in front of St Leonard’s Tower on Saturday and was hosted by Newton Abbot Crier Nigel Kenneison.
Accompanying them were consorts, judges and other officers for the day which had begun with coffee at the Royal British Legion and a procession through town.
The order of performance was drawn by Deputy Mayor Cllr Carol Bunday and a civic welcome offered by Mayor Cllr Mike Joyce.
‘It was a very enjoyable and relaxed way to start the day,’ said Mr Kenneirson who performed the ‘base line’ cry before competitors gave renditions of their home town cries.
Each was judged according to diction, volume, clarity, and presentation.
After a short pause for refreshments the second cry was based upon the topic of fruit and veg with a member of staff from Ashfords Greengrocers on hand to award extra points for entertainment value.
Chris Smirthwaite from Liskeard took the honours and was presented with a pumpkin for his efforts.
Mr Kenneison said: ‘Following the prize-givings the criers, consorts, officers and others involved in the day made their way back to the legion for a light buffet and some attendance awards of craft beer and a Newton Abbot Streets Ahead carrier bag of fruit and vegetables from Ashfords Fruit and Veg.
‘Following more social aspects of the day the criers departed with their prizes after a fun-filled day and headed home all looking forward to coming back next year on Saturday, September 10, although light hearted discussion was held as to whether it would be worth coming if John Pitt attended.’