NEWTON Abbot was set to host members of the ancient and honourable Guild of Town Criers at this year’s town crierr’ competition on September 10 however, in the wake of Her Majesty’s passing, the event has been cancelled.

Fifteen criers would have taken part in the competition, which was to be held in the centre of town in Courtenay Street (outside Austin’s) throughout the day but Newton Abbot Town Council cancelled the event out of respect for Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II.

Crying is very much a forerunner to today’s newspapers as it is an early form of relaying newsworthy items that dates back centuries.

The competition involves two cries – the ‘Home Cry’ which would have taken place from 10.45am when the criers promote the home town he or she represents, and then a second cry at 1pm which this year was on the subject of ‘Sweets’.

The event had the support of a number of local businesses, organisations and persons as events co-ordinator, Natalie Hicks, explains

[Quote prior to event being cancelled] Natalie said: ‘The town council is very fortunate to have the support of local businesses and individuals who make contributions in all sorts of ways which include the Lord of the Newton Abbot Manorial Borough of Newton Abbot, Keith Stokes-Smith who provides the cash prizes totalling £200 for first, second and third placing; Austin’s department store for prizes for the Best Dressed Escort and Best Dressed Couple on the day; SIBA who provides beer for the criers; Sunshine sweets for providing prizes this year; and Twelve Twenty and The Clock Tower Coffee Shop for providing mid-morning refreshments.

‘I would like to thank each of the contributors who help us provide this colourful, loud and atmospheric event that entertains local passers-by as they visit the town centre.’