Town Crier Testimonials

Winner of the Muskoka International Competition, 2020
Two-time winner of the Ontario Town Crier Provincial Championships, 2016 & 2018

Awarded "Best Ambassador" - World Invitational Town Crier Championships, 2013

See other Competition standings



 

Civic Event


Walk of Fame Cry
 

I am so very pleased to be able to write this testimonial for Andrew Welch, the celebrated Town Crier.  [...]  Yes, he has terrific delivery.  But, if possible, perhaps even more rewarding for my family was the content of his speech.  [...]  In sum, my family and I were enormously impressed by Andrew Welch as Town Crier and fellow proud Canadian.  Any group or community that presents him with the opprtunity to practice his craft will be greatly rewarded.

You are quite amazing! I was dumfounded by your insight in issues that matter to me. It is obvious that you care about your role enough to do your research and because of that you add real value to special occasions.

Thank you so much for making this celebration a memorable time for me, my family and my friends.

Sincerely,

Michael Wayne
2019 Induction of Johnny Wayne to Caledon's Walk of Fame



 

Master of Ceremonies


Bravery Park VIPs  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

On Sept 3, 2021, I opened Bravery Park, a park to honour our Canadian Soldiers in Orangeville, Ontario.  In attendance was The Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, Brigadier Generals, Base Commanders, and other distinguished members of our military.  RCMP, Chiefs of Fire, OPP & EMS, as well as dignitaries and politicians from all levels of government were also in attendance.  The ceremony even included a flyover by the Snowbirds!  This was a grand event to say the least.  I had initially booked Andrew as a Town Crier to kick off the event, however knowing his ability to engage an audience, and the fact that his very presence lends a certain gravitas to an occasion, I invited him to be our master of ceremony.  This was, however, no ordinary MC role.

Bravery Park was inspired by the service and sacrifice of my brother Cpl. Matthew McCully who was killed in action on May 25, 2007.  As a living testament to our Canadian Soldiers, the park's purpose is to educate and create awareness of the great role our Canadian Armed Forces play, and the profound sacrifices they make.  Thus, I wanted the event to capture the emotion felt for our fallen and their families while exemplifying the park's mission.  To do so, the MC was responsible for educating all guests on the military proceedings for which they were witnessing.  This included a full military parade, an inspection of the ranks by The Lieutenant Governor and Brigadier General, a Remembrance service and more.  As a result, there was a lot of pressure on Andrew to not only keep the event flowing, but to educate the audience in an engaging manner while ensuring the meaning and significance of the event was not lost.  To say this ceremony required lots of preparation and learning is an understatement, and yet Andrew not only rose to the occasion, but he surpassed our expectations (which were clearly very high).

Following the event, I received incredible feedback from our distinguished guests, citing how organized, professional, and moving the event was, and I know this is due in part to Andrew’s incredible execution as master of ceremony.  I highly recommend Andrew as an MC for all kinds of events.

Shannon McGrady
Chair-Bravery Park Committee



 

Birthday/Wedding Anniversary


Silver Wedding Anniversary
 

I am writing to share my absolute delight in the services you recently provided, delivering a fabulous proclamation cry as a surprise for my parents silver anniversary.  And secondly, to encourage others to consider hiring a town crier for an independent or personal celebration they might be planning.  We would not have even thought to hire a town crier had one not delivered a surprise "cry" at a friend’s wedding last year; this element added much to their occasion and the guests loved it.  When my mother was planning a 90th birthday celebration for my stepfather, and knowing that their silver anniversary followed only four days later, it seemed ideal to have a town crier do a surprise proclamation cry.

Of particular note, my family and I thoroughly enjoyed working with you.  You attended to our needs with the utmost level of professionalism throughout the entire experience.  Your quick response, flexibility and attention to detail were only the beginning.  Your willingness to customize and refine the proclamation cry such that it was far beyond our expectations were so appreciated; your wit and strong writing ability highly notable.  Your visit to the site of the event, on your own time and expense, to ensure you had a good sense of the venue and how to safeguard your secret, timed entrance is yet another example of the level of commitment you provide to your customers.

All in all, a Town Crier “cry” is an excellent enhancement to the day's event.  For us, it was a fun way to convey the important messages and greetings, etc. for our occasion.  Andrew had a great presence, articulated and spoke in at a level that all in attendance could hear, but not in a booming or overwhelming manner.  Not overly theatrical, a great mix of entertainment and content.

Many guests remarked on how much they had enjoyed the Town Crier.

With sincere thanks,

Coleen McLachlan



 

Business Opening


Heartwood Cidery Opening Cry
 

Well, what can we say?  Once again, your generously shared talents brought so much to our gathering.  We were so touched by the thoughtful words you shared in your proclamation - that combination of revelry, sincerity and warm humour is a rare and special thing.  Thank you so much for your friendship, your support, and your willingness to offer your magical touch to our little launch this past Saturday.  Never a dull moment when the Town Crier makes an appearance!

Warmly,

Val Steinmann
Heartwood Farm and Cidery



 

Civic Event


Walk of Fame Cry
 

Andrew,

You are quite amazing! I was dumfounded by your insight in issues that matter to me.  It is obvious that you care about your role enough to do your research and because of that you add real value to special occasions.

Thank you so much for making this celebration a memorable time for me, my family and my friends.

With deepest appreciation,

Don Lobb
2014 Inductee to Caledon's Walk of Fame



 

Business Event


Spirit Tree Cidery
 

Andrew Welch participated in the 2020 Wassailing Family Day Festival at Spirit Tree Estate Cidery.  This is an annual event but there was something special about this year's festival and the participation from our guests.  We attribute this shift largely to having Caledon's Town Crier, Andrew Welch, involved!  He was able to gather guests, capture their attention and share the history of Spirit Tree and the Wassailing tradition.  Our guests, young and old, gathered around him and listened intently the entire time.  Andrew was incredibly easy to work with and we would recommend his services to any business looking to turn their event into a spectacular occasion!

Sarah Rutka
Marketing and Events Manager,
Spirit Tree Estate Cidery



 

Business Opening


Me Shoe Boutique Opening Cry
 

I would like to thank you for the Experience of the Town Crier for the official opening of Me Shoe Boutique in Erin, Ontario.

The opening announcement you prepared in such a short notice was very impressive and entertaining.  Customers and onlookers commented on how much fun it was.

I would highly recommend anyone who is having a Grand Opening or Event where they need a Crier to call you.

Thank you again it was truly a great experience.

Sincerely,

Maureen Allen, Owner
Me Shoe Boutique



 

Business Opening


CHICàBOOM Opening Cry
 

Andrew Welch, is a Town Crier extraordinaire!

I was thrilled to have him preside at the opening of my store Chic à BOOM earlier this year.  He created a great spectacle in his lovely costume.  His proclamation covered the information with attention to the detail and with great humour, pomp and circumstance.  In fact his sharp wit had us all in stitches as he so seriously carried out his duties.  Mr. Welch made the event memorable to all who attended.

I have no reservation in saying that his performance would add a flamboyant and fun dimension to any event and that you would be totally satisfied with your decision to hire him.

I highly recommend Andrew Welch, Town Crier.  Please feel welcome to contact me if you have any questions.

Sincerely,

Nancy Angrove Urekar, Owner
Chic à BOOM Consignment Furniture, Fashion & Décor



 

Competition


Muskoka Pioneer Power Show competition
 

I think you should make sure your local press and all the Councillors and Mayor know that you placed fourth out of twelve in your very first, albeit unsanctioned, competition and that you did audibly and laudably present the Town of Caledon to many folk from far and wide.  You are truly an excellent ambassador for your town.  ...   You may quote me!

David McKee, Town Crier, Brantford



 

Charity


Town Crier - Operation Red Nose Kick-off
 

Andrew Welch, Official Town Crier for the Town of Caledon, heralded in the third season of Operation Red Nose Caledon's free designated-driver service to the residents of the Towns of Caledon and Nobleton, at the Launch held on November 17, 2011 at ORN Caledon's new Headquarters at 50 Ann Street in Bolton.

As the first recipient of an Official Caledon Town Crier Proclamation, Operation Red Nose Caledon is honoured and indeed commends Andrew for his outstanding performance.

Diane Tolstoy,
Volunteer Co-ordinator,
Operation Red Nose Caledon




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