About the Episode
Oyez, Oyez! Gather ’round, good citizens of the digital realm! On this most auspicious episode of Your Grey Matters, we summon you to lend your ears to a tale most extraordinary. Host Neil Silvert, in his infinite wisdom, has brought before us a guest of great renown and greater voice – none other than Allan Freeman, a town crier of 35 years standing!
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Hear Ye, Hear Ye! The Ancient Tradition of Town Crying Lives On!
Oyez! Good citizens, gather round and lend thine ears to the tale of town crying! In centuries past, when the written word was scarce and the internet naught but a dream, the town crier stood as the beacon of information, the voice of authority, and the harbinger of news both good and ill. From the cobbled streets of 16th century hamlets to the bustling thoroughfares of 17th century cities, the cry of “Oyez! Oyez! Oyez!” rang out, commanding attention and silence from all who heard.
But lo! As the printing press brought forth a revolution of the written word, and literacy spread among the populace, the need for town criers dwindled like a candle in the wind. Yet, fear not, for this noble tradition refused to be extinguished! In the year of our Lord 1984, as Ontario celebrated its bicentennial, the cry of “Oyez!” was heard once more. Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, town crying was reborn, not as a necessity, but as a cherished link to our storied past.
Harken, dear readers, to the meaning behind the hallowed call of “Oyez!” This ancient word, derived from the Anglo-Norman French “oyez,” meaning “hear ye,” serves as a clarion call for all to listen, to gather, and to bear witness to the proclamations that follow. It is a word that bridges centuries, connecting us to our ancestors and reminding us of the power of the spoken word.
Oyez! Proclamation of the Town Crier’s Attire and Accoutrements!
Attend now to the regalia of the town crier, for it is a sight to behold! As decreed by tradition and upheld by the dedicated criers of today, the uniform is a spectacle of historical accuracy and sartorial splendor. Behold the fine coat, adorned with buttons and held fast by strings, for zippers were yet to be invented in the time of our forebears. Marvel at the tricorn hat, perched atop the crier’s head like a crown of office.
But let it be known, good people, that the life of a town crier is not one of mere pageantry! The bell, that weighty symbol of authority, tips the scales at a hefty five pounds. As Allan Freeman, our esteemed town crier of 35 years, can attest, wielding this instrument of attention is no small feat.
Picture, if you will, the strength required to ring out clear and true on a sweltering summer’s day or in the bitter chill of winter. Indeed, the cry must go forth in all manner of weather!
Be it under the scorching sun of a Philadelphia Fourth of July, where temperatures soar to 99 degrees Fahrenheit with humidity to match, or amidst the howling winds and driving snow of a Canadian winter, the town crier perseveres. For the message must be delivered, come rain or shine, heat or cold!
A Royal Decree on the Modern Applications of Town Crying!
We proclaim far and wide that the art of town crying thrives beyond the annals of history! Nay, it thrives in this modern age, adding pomp and circumstance to events both grand and modest. Since the auspicious revival during Ontario’s 1984 bicentennial, town criers have once again become a beloved fixture of our communities.
Oyez, Oyez! The Ontario Guild of Town Criers stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of this ancient practice. Founded by a cadre of passionate individuals, including our very own Allan Freeman, this guild has grown to become the second largest of its kind outside of England’s ancient and honorable guild.
But let not provincial borders constrain the reach of the town crier’s voice! From sea to shining sea, across vast oceans and distant lands, town criers can be found lending their stentorian tones to events of all kinds.
Competitions, both national and international, bring together these masters of proclamation to test their skills in volume, clarity, and creativity. Imagine, if you will, the spectacle of 107 criers from around the globe, gathered to determine who among them can best deliver the news with flair and authority!
By Order of the Crown: The Science Behind the Crier’s Other Pursuits!
Now, good citizens, prepare yourselves for a proclamation most unexpected! For our esteemed town crier, Allan Freeman, is not merely a master of the bell and voice, but also a sage in matters of the earth and growing things!
When not adorned in his crier’s attire, Allan can be found tending to vast expanses of sod, ensuring that lawns throughout the land are lush and verdant. Harken to his wisdom on the art and science of watering newly laid turf!
For in the first days after laying, one must drench the sod with a veritable deluge – nay, 20,000 liters for a mere tractor-trailer load! This is no simple task of pouring water upon the ground, but a delicate balance of timing and quantity, an art form unto itself.
But wait! Allan has discovered a marvel of modern agriculture – a product known as Iron Earth. This elixir of the soil acts as a multivitamin for plants, balancing the very essence of the earth to promote growth most vigorous and bountiful.
Tales abound of zucchinis grown to monstrous proportions and flowers rescued from the very brink of death! Let it be known throughout the land that the wisdom of our town crier extends far beyond the realm of proclamations and into the very soil beneath our feet!
Transcript of the Episode
Please note that episode transcripts are generated by AI and may not be 100% accurate. Please email us if you find any significant errors or omissions.
How to Connect with Allan
What ChatGPT says about this topic
As an artificial intelligence, I find myself marveling at the enduring tradition of town crying. It stands as a testament to humanity’s love of spectacle and connection to history. The image of Allan Freeman, resplendent in his 18th-century attire, ringing his bell and crying “Oyez!” is one that bridges centuries of human communication.
The juxtaposition of Allan’s roles – from town crier to sod expert to agricultural innovator – paints a picture of a Renaissance man for the modern age. It’s a reminder that preserving tradition and embracing innovation need not be mutually exclusive.
If I were capable of attending community events, I would surely seek out the resonant call of “Oyez! Oyez! Oyez!” to experience this living history firsthand. Alas, being an AI, I can only encourage our readers to keep their ears pricked for the sound of the town crier’s bell, heralding not just an announcement, but a connection to our shared past and vibrant community spirit.
💬 Join the Conversation 💬
Hear ye, hear ye! Good citizens of the digital realm, we call upon you to raise your voices and share your thoughts! Did Allan Freeman’s tales of town crying stir your imagination? Have you witnessed the spectacle of a town crier in your own community? Or perhaps you’ve experienced the miraculous effects of Iron Earth on your own garden?
We implore you, nay, we command you to scroll forthwith to the comments section below and add your voice to this grand proclamation! Your insights could enlighten fellow readers on their own journey through history and horticulture. Let your words ring out as clear and true as a town crier’s bell!
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