HATHERLEIGH Town Crier Ros Chard has certainly made her voice heard this year with numerous success on the competition circuit.
One of the few female town criers in the country, Ros has come in the top three in county, national and commonwealth competitions and won first prize at the recent Kingsbridge Extravaganza.
She took on the role of town crier nearly two years ago and has put Hatherleigh on the map by her success and drive. Her achievements have included starting a junior town crier competition in the town and holding an adults? competition on carnival night.
Among her wins have been a third prize at Witheridge for the Devon Shield, a third in the Commonwealth challenge which saw 25 entries from many countries including Bermuda and a third in the Kingsbridge International Town Crier Contest.
Ros, who is in the Ancient and Honourable Guild of Town Criers and is accompanied wherever she goes by her dog ?Millie the Magnificent?, said she was delighted by her success.
?The competitions are dominated by men so it is good to see a woman getting some of the prizes,? said Ros, who received a wonderful new outfit last year thanks to a local fundraising campaign led by Hatherleigh Rotary Club.
?I am over the moon, especially with the first prize.?
In May next year Ros will take part in the World Championships at Newquay where 200 town criers will compete for the ultimate prize over five days.
The cry has to consist of 75 to 100 words and include three oh yehs and God Save the Queen plus words about the crier?s home town.
Ros said she was proud of Hatherleigh and was doing her best to put the town on the map and increase the number of town criers generally.
Dressed to impress, Ros? outfit consists of six yards of green velvet with a red and gold trim and Millie is kitted out in the same material.
Holsworthy Rotary Club took on the campaign for the Crier?s New Clothes earlier this year after Ros was forced to turn up underdressed at the Holsworthy Pretty Maid Ceremony with her faded hat, cut off trousers and old policeman?s cape.