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24

Apr 2023

Last Updated: 24/04/2023
Community
Community

Mark Hunter wins contest to be Knaresborough’s next town crier

by John Plummer

| 24 Apr, 2023
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knaresborough-town-crier-competition-final-11x7-1
Charlotte Gale (Knaresborough & District Chamber), Leigh Hudson (entrant), Mark Hunter (winning entrant), Roger Hewitt (current Town Crier), The Mayor of Knaresborough, Andrew Richards (entrant)

Mark Hunter has won a contest to become Knaresborough's next town crier.

In a 'cry-off' with two other entrants described by organisers as "almost too close to call", Mr Hunter was selected to succeed Roger Hewitt.

The competition took place during Knaresborough Community Festival on Saturday, which celebrated the town's many community organisations.

Organised by the Knaresborough & District Chamber, which manages the town crier position, the event saw competitors give renditions of Mr Hewitt's pre-prepared cry and their own original contributions.

Knaresborough Town Crier contest

Retiring town crier Roger Hewitt introduces the second round of the competition. Pic: Charlotte-Gale



Mr Hewitt and fellow judges Cllr Kathryn Davies, Mayor of Knaresborough and chamber executive member Charlotte Gale selected Mr Hunter to be the town's next town crier and the other two candidates — Leigh Hudson and Andrew Richards — to serve as deputies.

Knaresborough-born and bred Mr Hunter has sung in the choir at St John's Church and is the church's current director of music.

He is also a keen amateur naturalist and wildlife photographer.

Ms Gale said:

"We're delighted to invite Mark to be Knaresborough's next town crier.
"It was a fantastic competition and we'd like to thank all our contestants for the huge effort they put into it and for their entertaining performances on the day. It certainly made the role of judging a tough one.
"We will be very sad to see Roger go and we’d like to pay tribute to eight years of outstanding service, but we are also looking forward to a new chapter and the continuation of this historic role in Knaresborough.”
“Records show there has been a town crier in Knaresborough since the early 1600s, although the tradition probably dates back to earlier times.
"In those days the town crier used to be called the bell man. Literacy amongst the general populace would have been low and the bell man fulfilled an important role in delivering news to local townsfolk.
"Although literacy rates are now much improved, the popularity of the role means that Knaresborough Town Council, Knaresborough and District Chamber and the people of Knaresborough are keen to maintain this important tradition for the town.”


Main pic: Charlotte Gale, Leigh Hudson, Mark Hunter, Roger Hewitt, Mayor Kathryn Davies and Andrew Richards (entrant)