Dorchester town crier wins eleventh championship

Alistair Chisholm (76), Town Crier of Dorchester, won last Saturday’s (16th October2021) 68th National Town Criers’ Championship in Hastings for a record-equalling 11th time. This equals the record held by the late Ben Johnson of Fowey in Cornwall who achieved this in 1973.

Although Ben Johnson’s name only appears on the Championship trophy 10 times (the current cup dating back to 1945) , he also won the National Championship in 1939 when it was held in Lyme Regis and recorded on a newsreel of the time.

Alistair said he was immensely proud to have equalled Ben’s record, in what is the oldest and most prestigious of Town Crying competitions, and congratulated Andrew Fleming, the Town Crier of Swanage, on his well-deserved second place.

Alistair dedicated his win to all the staff at the Robert White Radiotherapy unit at Dorset County Hospital where he has recently completed his treatment for cancer saying, “The staff are not only truly professional but are incredibly patient and understanding. The whole atmosphere created at the unit puts one at ease and the sessions are not only painless but pass very quickly.”

Asked if he would enter the National Championships next year (probably on Saturday 15th October 2022), Alistair said:

“I shall certainly be there as the Championship competition is only one part of a truly spectacular climax to 'Hastings Week'. I look forward to this annual event and love wandering around the Old Town.

"The Saturday evening’s real torchlight procession, with its infectious drumming, is a sight and sound never to be forgotten and the accompanying huge beach bonfire and firework display more than equals anything I’ve ever seen.”

“I am proud to represent Dorset’s county town and will be giving it my best shot. Winning again would be a bonus but I know I’d enjoy the Hastings event regardless of the result.”