New Glasgow town crier wins gold at international competition in U.K.

NEW GLASGOW – James Stewart won first place for his hometown cry recently at the World Town Crier Tournament in Chester, England.

The World Town Crier Tournament is an international competition where town criers gather to showcase their traditional public-announcement skills, vocal power, historic regalia, and showmanship. It is historically held in Chester, with 25 town criers competing from the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands, the Channel Islands, and the United States.

“Winning on the first day of such an event is certainly very special,” Stewart said.

“I was very surprised and happy to be awarded first place in the home cry category, and to be given such an opportunity to promote New Glasgow, Nova Scotia, and Canada.”

The competition took place Sept. 22 to 26.

“Chester has a long history with town criers, and the crowds really embraced us as around 150 of us competed in their amazing town,” Stewart said.

“Winning the hometown cry on the first day was incredible, and though I wasn’t able to quite carry that success to the end, I had a great time throughout it all. I don’t know if I’m exactly getting better with age, but my voice is holding pretty well, and it continues to be something I love to do.”

Competitors faced off during multiple days and rounds, across multiple categories such as overall world champion, daily winners, best hometown cry, best-dressed crier/couple, and best ambassador. This year’s world champion is Kevin Howarth of Toowoomba, Australia, with others claiming wins such as Adrian Basford (U.K.) for their retail cry and Les Cutts (U.K.) for the accommodation cry category.

Stewart said each town crier is judged based on what they have written, the cry content, volume, clarity, poise, as well as showmanship and confidence.

“It really is one of the best ways to interact with people,” he said.

“A town crier is basically the original public broadcasting system, before there was radio, before there was television, and even newspapers. People automatically find me curious when they see my regalia, which they tend to find approachable, and I love to interact with them.

“Children tend to think I’m a pirate or dressed as Captain Hook, which aids in their curiosity about what I’m doing. It really is a special thing to do, and despite my voice getting older and with me nearing 35 years as a town crier, I will certainly be competing next year as long as people are happy with my work.”

Stewart got is start as the town crier on June 30, 1992, after being heavily involved in community theatre before the town crier position opened up. He is a regular part of events within the town, writing many proclamations for important occasions and festivities.

“Jim has been a special part of so many celebrations and important moments in New Glasgow over the years, generously giving his time and bringing his enthusiasm to every occasion,” said New Glasgow Mayor Nancy Dicks.

“We are thrilled to see him earn first place in the hometown cry competition at the World Town Crier Tournament in Chester. It is especially fitting that he was recognized for a cry about the community he gives so much to. Congratulations, Jim, and thank you for making New Glasgow proud.”