Dorchester's new town crier is 'very excited' about taking up the historic position.

Interviews for the role took place at the start of last week that culminated in six candidates taking to the stage outside Barclay’s Bank on South Street on on Wednesday, March 6 and then Brewery Square, in an attempt to win over a panel of judges which included retiring town crier and current mayor Alistair Chisholm.

The panel selected Anthony Harrison for the role following a rigorous interview process.

Dorset Echo: Cllr Alistair Chisholm, said: “I am pleased there was healthy competition for the post of Dorchester Town Crier following my retirement from the role at the start of the year.

“However, I must admit to being somewhat disappointed there were no women expressing an interest in this unique opportunity.

“All six candidates had a variety of points in their favour and choosing who was the most suitable was not easy. In much the same way as I learned more about the ‘extreme sport of town crying’ as time went on and developed the role of crier to reflect the town’s situation at any given moment, so too may my successor, Anthony Harrison.

“I wish him the very best of luck and I look forward to this most ancient and traditional of positions continuing to play an important part in the promotion of the county town’s future,” he added.

The enthusiastic hand-penned performances drew a crowd of appreciated local residents to witness the historic occasion within the town.

While Mr Harrison has today been selected as the new town crier, his official duties will commence once his appointment receives the final stamp of approval from the Dorchester Town Council's Full Council on Saturday, March 23.

Dorset Echo: Mr Harrison eagerly anticipates wearing his bespoke town crier regalia including the traditional cloak and tricorn.

He said: “I am delighted to take on the responsibility as Dorchester's Town Crier after Alistair's magnificent tenure and record-equalling championship titles.

“I am excited to explore new ways to enhance Dorchester's reputation both for residents and visitors by promoting the town's rich heritage and highlighting the many great reasons why Dorchester is a fantastic place to work, live and visit.

“I have lots of new ideas and will be working with the many other individuals and bodies who are keen to help Dorchester thrive and blossom.

“In particular, I think there is a great deal we can do to inspire the younger generation of residents to learn, share and shape the future of the town to make sure it is as relevant this century as it has been for the previous 30 or 40.”

Mr Harrison is 58 and an IT consultant that currently lives in Fordington. Although he has lived in Dorchester for the past three years, he has a long connection with the town, meeting his wife who worked at Dorset County Council in 1989. 

"I've seen the town grow, evolve and change. I love the creative side of coming up with a cry," he added.

Read the cry Anthony Harrison wrote or performed for the interview below:

Oyez! Oyez! Oyez!

We’re not just any Dorset town, we are the country’s heart

Where ancient walls and brand-new squares each play their separate part

 

Our visitors from far and wide are drawn by history

Of who did what and when and why and what can we still see?

 

The centuries have taught us well the lessons of the past

And we must pass them on in turn at every single chance

 

Some go online, some read a guide to find out different views

There always will remain a place for crying out the news

 

In Dorchester, the future will be made by you and me

By passing on the gems we’ve learnt from all that history