Awards for Terry and Michael at town crier championships - and a very special honour for our Avril

2018 town crier championships, Ely 2018. Town criers competed for the title at Ely Eel and there was a special surprise for Ely town crier Avril Hayter-Smith in the evening as she was awarded Freedom of the City. PHOTO: Mike Rouse (Image: Archant)

Michael auditioned and hasn’t looked back since. In addition to civic and community duties, his corporate work led to travelling the world and becoming the very first Hollywood town crier.

On Saturday Michael was acclaimed British champion of the Loyal Company of Town Criers yesterday during the Eel Day competition.

Hundreds watched as he received his trophy as British champion from Mayor of Ely, Cllr Richard Hobbs

Michael said: “In the fast-moving world of today when everything has to be pioneering, technological or digitised, my vocational motto is ‘town criers remain both timeless and timely.’ Thank you, City of Ely for helping to perpetuate this.”

2018 town crier championships, Ely 2018. Town criers competed for the title at Ely Eel and there was a special surprise for Ely town crier Avril Hayter-Smith in the evening as she was awarded Freedom of the City. PHOTO: Mike Rouse (Image: Archant)

In his home city of Liverpool, Terry Stubbings has , as his local paper says, been shouting his mouth off for years – but it was only five years ago that be became their first town crier for more than 200 years.

Ely had the chance to see Terry in action on Saturday as he was awarded the best ambassador during the British town crier championships held as part of Ely Eel Day.

“I see my role as being an ambassador – a person who adds a bit of colour to people’s views and memories of Liverpool, by having my picture taken with them and advising them about things to do,” he once told the Liverpool Echo.

Later in the evening Ely’s town crier, Avril Hayter-Smith, was given the Freedom of the City of Ely.

2018 town crier championships, Ely 2018. Town criers competed for the title at Ely Eel and there was a special surprise for Ely town crier Avril Hayter-Smith in the evening as she was awarded Freedom of the City. PHOTO: Mike Rouse (Image: Archant)

The announcement was made at the criers’ dinner at Little Downham and the certificate presented by Cllr Hobbs, the mayor, on behalf of the council.

“What a wonderful surprise,” she said.

Several former mayors were able to join in congratulating her on her outstanding dedication and service as an ambassador for the city

Results of the British championship

2018 town crier championships, Ely 2018. Town criers competed for the title at Ely Eel and there was a special surprise for Ely town crier Avril Hayter-Smith in the evening as she was awarded Freedom of the City. PHOTO: Mike Rouse (Image: Archant)

Winner: Michael Wood. East Riding of Yorkshire

Runner up: John Griffiths. Sleazoids

Third place: Terry Ford Ottley

Best home cry: Terry Stubbings. Liverpool

2018 town crier championships, Ely 2018. Town criers competed for the title at Ely Eel and there was a special surprise for Ely town crier Avril Hayter-Smith in the evening as she was awarded Freedom of the City. PHOTO: Mike Rouse (Image: Archant)

Best themed cry: Peter Taunton Newport

Best ambassador: Terry Stubbings

Best dressed crier :Terry Ford

Best dressed consort: Jo Jackson Malton and Norton

2018 town crier championships, Ely 2018. Town criers competed for the title at Ely Eel and there was a special surprise for Ely town crier Avril Hayter-Smith in the evening as she was awarded Freedom of the City. PHOTO: Mike Rouse (Image: Archant)

Best dressed couple: Peter and Maureen Taunton

2018 town crier championships, Ely 2018. Town criers competed for the title at Ely Eel and there was a special surprise for Ely town crier Avril Hayter-Smith in the evening as she was awarded Freedom of the City. PHOTO: Mike Rouse (Image: Archant)

2018 town crier championships, Ely 2018. Town criers competed for the title at Ely Eel and there was a special surprise for Ely town crier Avril Hayter-Smith in the evening as she was awarded Freedom of the City. PHOTO: Mike Rouse (Image: Archant)

2018 town crier championships, Ely 2018. Town criers competed for the title at Ely Eel and there was a special surprise for Ely town crier Avril Hayter-Smith in the evening as she was awarded Freedom of the City. PHOTO: Mike Rouse (Image: Archant)

2018 town crier championships, Ely 2018. Town criers competed for the title at Ely Eel and there was a special surprise for Ely town crier Avril Hayter-Smith in the evening as she was awarded Freedom of the City. PHOTO: Mike Rouse (Image: Archant)

2018 town crier championships, Ely 2018. Town criers competed for the title at Ely Eel and there was a special surprise for Ely town crier Avril Hayter-Smith in the evening as she was awarded Freedom of the City. PHOTO: Mike Rouse (Image: Archant)