Dorchester is delighted to announce the selection of Anthony Harrison as its new Town Crier following a rigorous interview process.
Mr. Harrison emerged triumphant after facing stiff competition from five other applicants during the interview phase, which took place on Monday, 4th March. The selection panel, which included Councillor Alistair Chisholm, the current Mayor of Dorchester and a former Town Crier himself, assessed each candidate’s suitability for the prestigious role.
Cllr 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.”
As part of the comprehensive interview process, candidates were tasked with delivering their own traditional ‘cry’ in the heart of the town centre and at Brewery Square. These enthusiastic performances drew a crowd of appreciated local residents to witness the historic occasion.
Anthony Harrison, with his presence and eloquent delivery, won over the panel of councillors although there was stiff competition from the other five applicants, all of whom put so much effort and enthusiasm into the day.
While Mr. Harrison has today been selected as the new Town Crier, his official duties will commence once his appointment receives the final stamp of approval from the Dorchester Town Council’s Full Council on March 23rd. Additionally, Mr. Harrison eagerly anticipates the completion of his bespoke Town Crier regalia including the traditional cloak and tricorn.
Anthony Harrison 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.”
As Dorchester prepares to welcome its new Town Crier, anticipation and excitement continue to build among residents eager to witness Mr. Harrison’s inaugural cry and to celebrate this significant moment in the town’s history.
Read the cry Anthony Harrison wrote or performed for the interview below:
Oyez! Oyez! Oyez!
We’re not just any Dorset town, we are the country’s heart
Where ancient walls and brand-new squares each play their separate part
Our visitors from far and wide are drawn by history
Of who did what and when and why and what can we still see?
The centuries have taught us well the lessons of the past
And we must pass them on in turn at every single chance
Some go online, some read a guide to find out different views
There always will remain a place for crying out the news
In Dorchester, the future will be made by you and me
By passing on the gems we’ve learnt from all that history
God Save the King!
Anthony Harrison. Photo credit Dorchester Town Council
The Town Crier candidates with the retiring Crier, Alistair Chisholm (holding bell). Photo credit Dorchester Town Council