GET ready, cobber ?Hatherleigh goes Australian later this month to help send one of the town?s best-known ambassadors on what is sure to be a memorable trip. Ros Chard, Hatherleigh?s town crier, is raising funds to compete in the town criers? world championships taking place Down Under this autumn. The latest fundraising idea is an Aussie-themed evening in the George, Hatherleigh, later this month. Ros has already raised around half of the money needed to complete the trip, by holding a quiz night in the Tally-Ho! and manning a regular fundraising stall in the town. Her coffers have also been boosted by generous donations from local businesses and people, including one anonymous benefactor who made a donation into the town crier?s account recently opened at Natwest Bank in Hatherleigh. Ros? distinctive style and booming voice have already landed her a string of awards around the South West. This will be her second world championships, having previously competed closer to home when the event was held at Newquay two years ago. Last year, she represented Hatherleigh at the European Championships in Belgium. The competition takes place at Maryborough in Queensland in September and will be followed by another international criers? competition in Melbourne. Ros said she was expecting an enthusiastic welcome from the Australians ?They haven?t got much history themselves, being such a young country, so they are very interested in history,? she said. ?I will be taking lots of books and information to tell them a little about Hatherleigh and its past.? Hatherleigh Pottery has also produced a special plate to take to Australia to commemorate the town. Normally at town criers? events, Ros has a constant companion, her dog Millie, but due to the length of the journey, Millie will be staying at home this time. ?I don?t know who is going to miss who most?? said Ros. ?But she is a very popular dog, so lots of people have volunteered to look after her.?