THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE HAS APPEARED IN THE RECORD ON January 15, 2003

Let me introduce you to
the world's first newsmen

Oyez, Oyez, Oyez: to all the news junkies, let me introduce you to the world's first newsmen. Believe it or not, town criers held that enviable role. In fact, they also played an important role in the early legal systems. I was reminded of their historical origins during our last cruise when our ship sailed through Bermuda's narrow channel in St. George's harbor. With his tricorn hat replete with ostrich feather plumes, the local town crier was standing near the edge of the water in his colonial tunic, ringing his bell and waving to the passengers. Shortly after disembarkation we sighted him again in nearby King's Square regaling the tourists with stories and news of an era, which they had long forgotten.

In the days when most people were illiterate, they would read the news of the day in their booming voices and proclaim the laws of their King while ringing their bells. Don't get me wrong; Bermuda wasn't the only country where we met a town crier. In fact, I can still remember observing our very first one in the 70s, while holidaying in Provincetown. Dressed in his long black Pilgrim coat and pointed hat he was welcoming the ferry passengers from Boston. According to the historians, the first town criers were the Spartan Runners in the early Greek Empire. As messengers in Ancient Greece and Rome they would run from town to town announcing royal proclamations. When the Roman Conquest spread through Europe their position increased in importance until it became a position of the King's court.

In the British Isles, town criers date back to when Britain was invaded by King William of Normandy. At first they were employed to call out the King's proclamations. As time passed they relayed the news of victories in far off lands, royal births and deaths by execution. Before a new law could be put into practice it would first be read by the town crier, usually at the door of the local inn. The proclamation would then be nailed to the doorpost, hence the expression "posting a notice" and why some newspapers are called "The Post".

So as to help draw the attention of the mostly illiterate public, announcements by town criers were always preceded by the traditional "Oyez Oyez Oyez" which was old French for "hark", "listen" or "hear ye". It has been said that the original full cry began with " Oyez Brave Genre ", which means, "hear this good people" and concluded with "God save the Queen, Oyez, Oyez". Even today the words sound very much like what every court clerk declares whenever a jury trial judge walks into a courtroom!

Who were the Criers?

Criers were usually people of some standing in the community, as they had to know how to write and read the official proclamations. Many of them were a husband and wife team- the husband did the shouting while the wife rang the large hand bell. As spokespersons for the King, criers held an important lifetime government position. They also enjoyed royal protection, which proves that the expression "don't shoot the messenger" is nothing to be scoffed at. Anything that was done to a town crier was considered as an attack against the King and therefore a treasonable offence. As England colonized the world, the position of the town crier spread with it. Because literacy was so low and only a small percentage of the English population had access to books and newspapers their role remained important well into the 19th century. With the advent of the printed word and rise in mass literacy town criers became nearly extinct, until a rebirth of the tradition began at the start of the 20th century.

Their present functions

It is estimated that there are no more than 400 town criers in the world, of which 200 are in the UK, a dozen or so in the United States and a handful in Canada. Today, their services are mainly required for historic or ceremonial events as well as to promote tourism. Because of their flamboyantly dressed character and loud "cries", they help to enhance the media coverage. They can be seen leading parades, launching ships, opening festivals, greeting visiting dignitaries, attending official functions and acting as ambassadors of goodwill while traveling or participating in international competitions.

Most of them are retirees or part-timers who volunteer their services at local charitable or community events. Others are part-time or full time professional town criers who, for a fee, are ready to read "their" proclamations at conventions, weddings, birthdays, retirement parties, trade shows and openings of supermarkets. Of the only three full time Town Criers in North America, one is Daniel Richer Dit La Fleche of Hull who used to be a teacher and actor. When we saw him participate in Bermuda's International Competition of Town Criers he was wearing his authentically recreated buckskin uniform dating back to the fur trade era.

Becoming a Town Crier

How does one become a Town Crier? According to the literature, by observing other criers, by being trained by them and participating in international " Cry off " competitions, such as the Bermuda International Competition and the North American Town Crier Championships.

When it comes to such competitions each cry, which is usually limited to 125 words, is evaluated by no fewer than three judges who sit apart so as not to be influenced by each other. They attribute points on the basis of each competitor's volume, call content, self-confidence, overall literary effectiveness and finally, how they use their bell, horn and drum.

Just in case you are still wondering what the relevancy of this topic is all about - here are a few angles to consider! If you think your quaint little town or village deserves a bigger slice of the tourist market, perhaps a town crier could help do the trick. If that doesn't suffice, the next time you hear your favorite radio or television news broadcaster, at least you will know how his position evolved since the days of the first town criers.

If you're still not convinced, you could always refer to my column at your next game of Trivial Pursuit. Next week: Know your pharmaceutical drugs and their side effects.

Part I: Crunching the figures on adverse reactions