Celebrated Dorchester town crier Alistair Chisholm named best in the nation

Alistair Chisholm's 11th historic victory at the national championships means he now shares a record amount of wins with national town crier record holder Ben Johnson who cried out for the Cornish port town of Fowey for more than 40 years.

Although Mr Johnson’s name only appears on the championship trophy 10 times - the current cup dating back to 1945 - he also won the national event in 1939 when it was held in Lyme Regis and recorded on a newsreel of the time.

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. Dorset Town Criers, (left to right): Iain Mitchell of West Moors, John Collingwood of Bridport, runner-up Andrew Fleming of Swanage, and winner Alistair Chisholm of Dorchester

Alistair, 76, also a local councillor, tour guide and 'passionate enthusiast for all things Dorchester', secured his historic win at the 68th National Town Criers’ Championship in Hastings. It is held as part of Hastings Week which marks the Saxon defeat by the Normans at the Battle of Hastings on October 14, 1066.

Mr Chisholm dedicated his win to the staff at the Robert White Centre at Dorset County Hospital where he has recently completed his treatment for prostate cancer.

He said: “The staff are not only truly professional but are incredibly patient and understanding. The whole atmosphere created at the unit puts one at ease and the sessions are not only painless but pass very quickly.”

Mr Chisholm said he was immensely proud to have equalled Mr Johnson’s record, in what he says is the oldest and most prestigious of town crying competitions, and congratulated Swanage town crier Andrew Fleming on his well-deserved second place.

This year's competition was the first for two years - the 2020 contest being cancelled because of Covid, although a 'silent' competition was held.

Previous reports stated that Mr Chisholm won for the 11th time last year but he said this was found to be incorrect.

Asked if he would enter the national championships next year Mr Chisholm said: “I shall certainly be there as the championship competition is only one part of a truly spectacular climax to Hastings Week.

“I look forward to this annual event and love wandering around the Old Town. The Saturday evening’s real torchlight procession, with its infectious drumming, is a sight and sound never to be forgotten and the accompanying huge beach bonfire and firework display more than equals anything I’ve ever seen.”

When asked if he thought he could break the record and win a 12th time, Mr Chisholm said: “I am proud to represent Dorset’s county town and will be giving it my best shot. Winning again would be a bonus but I know I’d enjoy the Hastings event regardless of the result.”