Probably the best town crier in the world ... ?

"My training to be a crier came from standing on the terraces and crying for real when watching my local football team, Hull City. But all that time spent was worth it as you will see at the bottom of the page."

Michael's Background

Upon leaving the army in 1994 and after 22 years service former paratrooper Michael answered a job ad for someone to play a cowboy called Black Bart. Winning the audition he represented a western themed snack food company promoting Beef Jerkey across Britain. After a year the company went bust (1994 was the year of BSE - mad cow disease).

Allowed to keep his sixguns, Stetson and saddlebags, Michael developed his Black Bart character on the entertainment scene and became a country 'n western singing Wild West comic.

He also worked as a guitar-playing-folk-singing busker, a line-dance instructor, a pub Karaoke performer, a TV presenter, Mr Sinister at the London Dungeon and Father Christmas at Harrods (oh, the magic of make-up!).

Answering yet another ad he was chosen for the appointment of East Riding Town Crier in 1997. In that same year he circumnavigated by foot the 300-miles around the borders of his county over a two-week period to introduce himself to his locals (and raised £2,481 for charity in the process).

In later years on the competition circuit at home and abroad he went on to win several major accolades.

A larger than life character, Michael is pure lights, camera and action! Indeed, during a visit to LA he was talent spotted and invited to become the first ever Hollywood Town Crier.

World rankings and competition successes:

• The National Championship (Hastings 2000)
• The Second Millennium World Town Crier Championship (Gent in Belgium 2000) a title he owns for 1000-years until the Third Millennium)
• The Lord Mayor of Chester’s Invitational World Championship (2001)
• The Ancient and Honourable Guild of Town Criers World Championship (Newquay 2003)
• The British Championship (Halifax 2003)

"Town Criers don't have big mouths, they have loud voices…"

With over a decade of experience his CV and list of clients includes:

• Ceremonial dinners attended by royalty
• Grand openings and promotions at Harvey Nichols, Matalan, Boots, Specsavers, Marks & Spencers,T.J. Hughes, House of Fraser
• Hull University Degree Conferment Ceremonies
• Hull & Humber Chamber of Commerce annual expo
• Talks and After Dinner Speaking
• Attending galas and fairs
• Leading parades
• Christenings
• Birthdays
• Weddings
• Anniversaries
• Retirements
• In fact anything worth shouting about… even divorce settlements!

Memberships

Member of the Ancient and Honourable Guild of Town Criers

Member of the Loyal Company of Town Criers

Member of the entertainment industry performer’s union Equity

"Yes, all that time spent on the terraces finally paid off! As can be seen in the above picture, together with the Hull City AFC Chairman Paul Duffen, and other fans, I rallied a cry of three cheers towards the success of The Tigers finally making it into The Premiership for the 2008-2009 football season after a 104 year wait. COME ON YOU ULL!”

Contact Michael on Mobile: 07770 372999; Email: iringmybell@yahoo.co.uk
Copyright © Michael Wood 2008 - All Rights Reserved

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