Dorchester's new town crier chosen
Anthony Harrison will continue the tradition for the county town
A new town crier has been chosen for Dorchester - after a gruelling selection process.
Anthony Harrison beat off stiff competition from five other applicants, getting through a rigorous interview by a panel of town councillors, and shouting out a trial cry on South Street and at Brewery Square.
Judges praised his 'presence and eloquent delivery'.
He said: “I am delighted to take on the responsibility as Dorchester's Town Crier after Alistair's magnificent tenure and record-equalling championship titles.
"I am excited to explore new ways to enhance Dorchester's reputation both for residents and visitors by promoting the town's rich heritage and highlighting the many great reasons why Dorchester is a fantastic place to work, live and visit. I have lots of new ideas and will be working with the many other individuals and bodies who are keen to help Dorchester thrive and blossom.
"In particular, I think there is a great deal we can do to inspire the younger generation of residents to learn, share and shape the future of the town to make sure it is as relevant this century as it has been for the previous 30 or 40.”
Mr Harrison's appointment has to be formally approved by the Town Council at a meeting later this month.
Cllr Alistair Chisholm said:
“I am pleased there was healthy competition for the post of Dorchester Town Crier following my retirement from the role at the start of the year. However, I must admit to being somewhat disappointed there were no women expressing an interest in this unique opportunity.
"All six candidates had a variety of points in their favour and choosing who was the most suitable was not easy. In much the same way as I learned more about 'the extreme sport' of town crying as time went on, and developed the role of crier to reflect the town’s situation at any given moment, so too may my successor, Anthony Harrison. I wish him the very best of luck and I look forward to this most ancient and traditional of positions continuing to play an important part in the promotion of the county town’s future.”