A highlight was a special cannon from Maryborough being fired at the school.

We then introduced ourselves and told them about our area. We then spent about half an hour just talking and mixing with the children.

Friday afternoon we held our AGM with no changes to the executive. President – Stephen Clarke from Gosford, Secretary – Bill Wallace (Lane Cove), Treasurer – John Deeks (Boonah QLD).

That night, was a Civic Reception hosted by Mayor Peter Taylor, where we held our traditional exchange of gifts.

We then were presented with a medallion to commemorate 20 years of the Ancient or Honorable Guild of Australian Town Crier (AHGATE) – the presentation was done by Cr Joe Ramia.

We then did the draw for cries the next day, I drew No 3 for home cry and No 13 for Host cry. Saturday was the Championships and was help in Queens Park which was walking distance from our Motel.

We had an official photo taken, the Cannon, from Maryborough was fired again to signify the start of the Championships. We then did our Home Cry in the morning and after lunch our Host Cry. There were 16 criers in attendance from W.A., N.T., Victoria, Queensland and N.S.W.

The results where then announced:

Champion of Champions

1.Graham Keating – Sydney 2. Mark Overell – Ipswich 3. Judy Campbell – Echuca and Moama.

Best Cry - 1. Graham Keating 2. Mark Overell 3. Judy Campbell

Senior Section - 1. Bill Wallace – Lane Cove 2. Max Bissett – Redlands City – QLD 3. Dennis Hitchen – City of Blue Mountains.

Loudest Cry - 1. Milton Blanch – Rockingham WA 2. Tim Keith 3. Mark Overell.

(Tim was just .3 of decible behind the winner - 97.4 to 97.1).

Best Dressed - 1. Tony Baxter-Tomkins – Moree 2. Mark Overell 3. Bill Wallace

Best Scroll - 1. Tony Baxter-Tomkins 2. Bryn Hall – Pyrenees Shire, Victoria 3. Milton Blanch

Best Dressed Partner - 1. Carmel Murdoch aka “Mary Heritage” – Fraser Coast Qld 2. Karen Hall – Pyreness Shire, Vic 3. Judy Bissett – Redlands City – Qld.

In previous years the 1st place person only was named in the last 4 categories, but our host Crier Ralph Cockell received sponsorship for all trophies so decided to award prizes for all categories.

Saturday night was a casual dinner where each state performed a musical or humorous skit for the Geoff Pallont Memorial Trophy (a foundation member who has left us) and is judged by his widow Joyee Pallont and was this year won by Queensland.

Sunday morning was a buffet breakfast before many went on a tour of Toowoomba - but I headed home.