The Montgomery Town Criers competition was already an event to remember - but became even more thrilling when one of the visiting criers used his time on stage to propose to his partner!

Visiting Town Crier, Daniel Richer dit LaFlèche from Canada, found inspiration in the words of local poet and parson, George Herbert, and took to the stage with an extra special proclamation during the weekend’s Guild Championship competition.

Daniel explained that the poem “Love” had opened his eyes and taken away hesitation.

After quoting couplets from the poem, he began to speak of his consort, Lady Julia Dudley, saying, “Since the day we met, she has been my friend, my soulmate. We have shared laughter and strife. In her eyes I find my light, my life. [..] My sweet. Wales inspires me on this day to be yours forever and a day.”

Rolling up and stowing his proclamation scroll, Daniel reached into his pocket and brought out a small box, drawing gasps from the crowd as they realised this was no ordinary competition cry.

A cheer went up as Daniel bent to ask Julia, “Will you marry me?” and there was a collective “something in the eye” as Julia said yes and the pair embraced in front of the Georgian Town Hall backdrop.

Loud cheers, ringing bells and a fanfare filled the square as Daniel placed the ring on Julia’s finger.

Congratulations from Montgomery to Daniel and Julia on their engagement. Thank you for sharing your special moment with us.

Montgomery Town Crier Sue Blower was left delighted at the event, describing it as "a great example of the old tradition of spreading the news”.

“There was colourful, wonderful camaraderie and a great example of tone, volume, intonation and content within the world of public speaking," she said. "Our visitors from far and wide - Yorkshire to Plymouth, Canada to New Zealand and Australia - were full of zest and vigour.

“We had a great receptive audience of approximately 400 in total. The excitement rose when the First Minister of the Senedd, Eluned Morgan, arrived, causing a swell of excitement amongst the audience gathered in the Broad Street, Montgomery. She circulated with the locals who were delighted.“

The winner overall was Paul Gough from Nuneaton and Bedford, who takes home the George Carpenter trophy. 

The runner up crier was Terry Ford from Otley, Yorkshire, with Peder Neilson from Bromyard in third place.

There were also trophies for the best dressed couple, crier and consort, which were awarded to Daniel Richer dit LaFlèche and Julia Dudley from Canada, Adrian Basford from Rugeley, and his consort, Jane.