Having taken over the position of Haslemere’s Town Crier in May 2010 from Terry Burns, Christian Ashdown has embraced the civic role of town crier of Surrey’s most southernly town. The former Household Cavalryman can be seen leading parades whether it is celebrating Royal jubilees or coronations or the solum occasion of Remembrance Sunday. He is also present at markets and fares held in the town where he will be meeting residents and visitors and ensuring that they are aware of what events are occurring in this quintessential English Town.
Christian is currently the Chair of the Ancient and Honourable Guild of Town Criers, which is the largest and oldest organisation in the world for town criers. Members of this esteemed body meet up regularly for competitions hosted by criers in their town and cities. Christian has had good success in a few of them winning the Guild Championship in Windsor Castle and Best Dressed Crier no less than three times. He has also hosted and organised competitions here in Haslemere where visiting criers and a touch of noise and colour to the Charter Fare.
Our town crier was asked by Buckingham Palace to write a proclamation that would be read out on the 80th anniversary of D-Day by most Town Criers in the Commonwealth on 6th June 2024.
Mr Ashdown can be booked to give an amusing pictorial talk on the subject of Town Crying by booking him via the Town Hall, his fee is donated to the Mayor’s charities.
Contact Jo on 01428 654305 to book Christian for an event.
Town Crier
