Dorset's town criers gathered to pay tribute to retiring Alistair Chilsholm. Picture: Hannah Fleming-Hill

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Dorset’s town criers to pay tribute to retiring Alistair Chisholm

Paul JonesMarch 19, 20240 Comment0

THE great and the good of town criers in Dorset gathered to bid a fond farewell to a legend of the scene.

On Saturday (March 16), the Town Criers of Dorset gathered in the county town to honour retiring Dorchester crier -and current mayor – Alistair Chisholm.

“Alistair is held in high regard by his compatriots and is without doubt the most successful town crier in competitions around the country and further afield, as well as being a supportive and inspiring friend to all,” a spokesperson for the group said.

The 2023 winner of the Stanley Mansbridge Perpetual Trophy, Chris Brown of Wimborne Minster, incorporated the 2024 competition into the day and the attending criers were tasked with delivering a cry under the title ‘Alistair Chisholm’.

The cries were judged on their content by Serjant of Musket and Deputy Town Crier of Wimborne Minster, Mell Gudger, who also judged who was the best dressed award The Kevin Knapp Best Dressed Dorset Town Crier.

The resulting cries were rich, informative and very funny, covering Mr Chisholm’s adventures and many amusing moments.

“The escapade mentioned the most was the time Alistair delivered a cry upon Studland nudist beach with just his tricorn, scroll and bell to protect his modesty,” the spokesperson said.

Alistair Chilsholm is standing down as Dorchester town crier. Picture: Hannah Fleming-Hill

“However it was abundantly clear from all the cries that the Dorset Criers hold a lot of love for Alistair and his partner, Kate.”

The best cry was judged to be the one delivered by Liz Rawlings, of Blandford Forum, and the Best Dressed prize was given to Jacqui Hall, of Wareham, which was presented by Karen Knapp, daughter of the late Kevin who was town crier of Sturminster Newton.

“Thanks to Andrew Fleming Town Crier of Swanage for organising the day and Hannah Fleming-Hill for photographing the escapades,” the spokesperson added.