Chester ready for the World Cup... of Town Criers!
The best town criers from across the globe are flocking to a village in Cheshire before taking part in the Chester World Town Crier Tournament 2010.
Forty competitors will arrive from all corners of the world to enjoy a welcome drinks reception and buffet at The Ring O’Bells in Christleton. The event on the evening of Sunday June 13th will provide a chance to unwind before the Tournament begins on June 15th and also an opportunity to check out the opposition.
Chester’s own David Mitchell, part of the world’s only family of town criers with wife Julie and 10 year-old son Spencer also being town criers, will be hosting the event for the city, eager to greet the reigning Canadian champion Chris Whyman, along with Holland’s champion town crier Henk van den Nieuwenhuizen, New Zealand’s best dressed crier Paddy-Ann Pemberton, and Belgian Hans van Laethem, who can drink a yard of ale when he is not Oyezing! Other notable criers include dapper American John Nietz, from Minnesota, who wears a Tudor costume and won the Best Dressed Award the last time the event was held in Chester in 2004, as well as Judy Campbell, the first woman to become Australian town crier, who has a world famous Kookaburra cry.
England will be well represented, with none standing out more than Martin Wood. At 7ft 2 he is recognised as the tallest town crier in the world and helped to call time on the old Ring O’Bells when Ian Wade launched the new pub in Christleton in 2008. Having represented Shrewsbury for 25 years, Martin has never been placed outside the top ten in the competition, previously winning the Championship in 2001 when it was held in Chester.
Ian Wade, owner of Modern British Taverns, said:
“We are delighted to be holding such an important international gathering, putting the Ring O’Bells on the world stage. The competition is set to be as exciting as it will be close, so get down to the Ring O’Bells on the 13th to see the best town criers in the world before the final on the 18th. Christleton is a historic village and Martin Wood, Shrewsbury’s giant town crier, helped to relaunch the pub just over two years ago, with bells historically being used to draw the attention of the crowds by town criers.”
Chester’s Town Crier, David Mitchell, added:
“I was delighted when Ian Wade offered to host this welcome reception, not only because it is a great pub in a beautiful village, but especially because there could be no more appropriately-named venue for a town crier gathering than The Ring O ‘Bells! I don’t envy Ian, though, when he tries to call time. Imagine 40 of the world’s loudest people shouting back, ‘Oh no it isn’t!’”
The tournament is free to attend and starts on June 158h at the Town Hall, Chester with the final taking place there on June 19th.
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Editors notes:
The World Town Crier Tournament 2010 is being held on:
Tuesday 15th June at ‘Centre Stage’ by the Town Hall – 11am – 12.30pm and 2pm – 3.30pm
Thursday 17th June at ‘Centre Stage’ by the Town Hall – 11am – 12.30pm and 2pm – 3.30pm
Friday 18th June at The Performance Area – Cheshire Oaks – 11am – 12.30pm and 2pm – 3.30pm
Saturday 19th June The Final at ‘Centre Stage’ by the Town Hall – 11am – 1pm
For more info visit: http://www.chestertowncriers.com/
and
http://www.chesterfestivals.co.uk/site/chestival/chestival-whats-on/world-town-crier-tournament-chestival-15th-19th-june-2010-p115731
CAPTION:
(L-R) Back in 2008, The Ring O’ Bells is launched by local dignitaries: (back row) Adam Johnson, Shrewsbury’s Town Crier Martin Wood, (front row) Raewyn Bailey, Lady Mayoress of Chester, Sheena Quinn, Back of House Supervisor and Modern British Taverns’ longest serving member of staff, and Councillor Brian Bailey, Lord Mayor of Chester
For more information and photos please visit: http://www.marketingprojects.co.uk/news/ring-o-bells
Ring O’Bells
• ‘Time’ was called at the Ring O’Bells in Christleton in 2008 when successful local pub entrepreneurs Ian Wade and Adam Johnson of Modern British Taverns transformed the celebrated Christleton landmark at the heart of one of Cheshire’s Best Kept Villages. The Ring O’Bells is now at the centre of village life as well as being a destination pub for great surroundings, great food and great hospitality.
• The interior has been completely revamped and remodelled with an improved, more welcoming layout. There are big changes to the menu, superb wines and guest beers, much more excitement and a real reason to come inside.
• New seasonal menus with local produce always available.
The Ring O’Bells was recently commended at the 2010 Chester Food & Drink Festival Awards in the Best Pub category and the Family Friendly Award.
• The Ring O’Bells is mentioned on Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christleton and Facebook http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=19580304729 .
Ring O’Bells, Village Rd, Christleton, Chester, CH3 7AS. Tel: 01244 335422. Visit www.ringobellschester.co.uk and www.modernbritishtaverns.co.uk for more details.
• Contact: Ian Wade on 01244 335422 or ian@mbt.cc
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M: 07884 493370
Jane Harrad-Roberts E: jane@marketingprojects.co.uk
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