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Town crier celebrates 30 years of service to city and island

‘National treasure’: Ed Christopher, the Town Crier of Hamilton, celebrates 30 years on the job, joined by Dwayne Caines, the chief executive officer of the City of Hamilton, Milton Hill, a maritime historian and historic boat model maker, and Charles Gosling, the Mayor of Hamilton (Photograph supplied)

One of Bermuda’s most recognisable personalities — the City of Hamilton’s town crier — has celebrated 30 years in the job.

Ed Christopher was honoured for three decades of service during an informal celebration at City Hall.

He was joined by Charles Gosling, the Mayor of Hamilton, and Dwayne Caines, the city’s chief executive officer.

The voice of Hamilton: Ed Christopher, the City of Hamilton's town crier, receives two cedar sculptures from Milton Hill Sr, a maritime history model boat maker, to mark Mr Christopher's 30 years of service in the role (Photograph courtesy of the City of Hamilton)

Milton Hill Sr, a historical model boat maker, also attended and provided Hamilton’s town crier with two cedar sculptures for his work as an ambassador and historian for the city and the island.

Mr Gosling said: “It’s my pleasure to recognise Ed Christopher for his 30 years of service.

“He is the voice of Hamilton – a man who can stand up on City Hall steps and, with one note of his voice, can silence an entire crowd.

“Ed has made us proud for more than 30 years and we thank him for all that he has done and all that he continues to do.”

Town Crier Ed Christopher, left, accepts a model of himself from sculptor Milton Hill (Photograph supplied)

Mr Christopher took on the role of town crier in 1994 as part of a one-off arrangement during the late Queen Elizabeth II’s visit to Bermuda.

Since then, he has served performed in the post for events around Hamilton, including greeting arriving cruise ship passengers and delivering formal proclamations.

Mr Christopher, who is a certified tourism ambassador, takes visitors and residents on guided tours of the city every morning.

He has also represented the City of Hamilton in several international town crier competitions around the world.

Mr Caines referred to Mr Christopher as “a national treasure”.

He added: “If we were to identify ten prominent faces in Bermuda over the past 30 years, you would undoubtedly be on that list and we commend you for your service to our community.

“I’ve had the privilege of taking your tour and when I did, I was amazed at what I didn’t know about places that I passed every single day.

“I see you as a town crier, but also as a griot – someone who passes down stories and traditions through the generations.

“Hamilton is Bermuda at its best and you represent the best of our community.”

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Published May 30, 2024 at 7:53 am (Updated May 30, 2024 at 7:53 am)

Town crier celebrates 30 years of service to city and island

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