Hatherleigh (14 Nov 2025) was a huge success, the weather was fantastic with lovely sunshine all day.
We all met in The George for teas and coffees, giving time for the draw, with 18 criers! Marvellous! This was done by this years junior criers, Maximillion and Henry, who came up to the competition and competed in their junior town criers competition. This junior competition was judged by seasoned criers Les Ellis and Philip Northcott, with Henry winning on this day.
The main competition went exceedingly well and we were privileged to have the Lord of the Manor, Deborah Laing Trengrove presented the prizes for me.
This year was my 25th year as Hatherleigh Town Crier, so I added a few extras this year. All the winners had an envelope with a gift in.
The order of winners;
1st place – Philip Northcott
2nd place – David Turner
3rd place – Nick Goodwin
Best dressed crier – Philip Northcott
Best dressed couple – Chris & Jenny Smirthwaite
Best dressed consort – Liz Ellis
Best female crier – Jackie Edwards
Best ambassador – David Green
All the amazing criers were given a goodie bag, with a history of Hatherleigh, a celebration pottery bell, made at the local potters and a big thank you.
After a close competition, we attired to the Tally Ho for a great roast beef and Yorkshire pudding. The Tally has just been awarded a rosette to reflect a superb Devon pub. The day culminated with a spectacular carnival procession with amazing floats, especially the float with a take off of Fergie and Randy Andy, hilarious. Flaming torches and frame carried by four strongmen and then followed by the heat of the tar barrels.
I would like to thank everyone for the kindness and presents that I received on the day! You know who you are (all of you) and the best wishes to those that could not be with us due to broken hips and bereavement.
The Guild are truly a family to be proud of. God Save the King.