It all started off on the Friday evening when a group of nine miscreants turned-up at Foxy’s Steak Bar on Bromyard’s version of New York’s 5th Avenue or Paris’s Champs Elysee namely Bromyard High Street. Those present were Paul Gough, Jeffery Evans, Terrence Mullett and his spouse Alison, John Griffiths, Roy Palmer and his Consort Sandra and our hosts for the event Peder and Jan Nielsen. Having seen-off a vast quantity of succulent victuals a ‘good night’ was said to Roy, Terrence and their ladies with the remainder opting for a few glasses more at The Falcon Hotel.
The ambience of the previous evening continued through to Saturday; the competition proper. Our hosts, Peder and Jan were up-and-about erecting gazebos, tables and chairs et al with no visible effects from the previous night. The sun shone and the air was warming up nicely as today’s contestants started arriving. The Mayor gave an address of welcome and the draw took place with the usual commentary surrounding that lucky(?) draw number – one.
Mustered for the parade through town and all went well though the pace was rather slow mainly because the decrepit old codger at the front couldn’t speed up. Then into the arena. A select few did battle over two rounds of back-to-back competition with the bonus of having Mike Bishop, and Angie who came to support him, giving a Guest Cry to conclude the proceedings.
Then down to The Falcon Hotel mews for a wonderful hot buffet of beef pie, vegetable curry, chicken goujons all with jacket potatoes, rice and salads and at least four different desserts. Whew!! Then to the presentation of awards. It was unfortunate that as there was only one Consort the decision was made not to award a prize for Best Dressed Consort nor Best Dressed Couple. So here are the results of the Bromyard Jury – null pointe!!
1st Paul Gough. Nuneaton & Bedworth.
2nd Jeremy Holland. Cinderford.
3rd John Griffiths. Sleaford.
Best Dressed Crier: Tony Evans. Nailsworth & Minchinhampton.
Overall winner, The D.R.M. Cup: Paul Gough. Nuneaton & Bedworth.
It was pleasing to note the number of new Criers at this and previous events and some of them look younger!! Bromyard welcomed new Crier and Yeovil champion Jeremy Holland and two first timers, Terrence Mullett, Hereford City and Jeffery Evans Holyhead & Anglesey and it was John Griffiths’ first time here. The supporting cast consisted of Stephen Day, Kidderminster, Adrian Holmes, Lichfield, Kevin Ward, Bromsgrove and Roy Palmer, Royal Hospital Chelsea.
Next year there could be a fundamental change to this prestigious competition with a possible change of date. It’s a “watch this space” scenario.