OTLEY Bellman Terry Ford’s victory in the Sir Francis Drake Armada Cup at the end of July saw him pick up his third major town crier competition in just 12 months.

The Armada Cup takes place over three days in Plymouth, Kingsbridge and Dartmouth with the winner being the Town Crier who gains the most points over the three. In his latest victory, Terry saw off competition from 18 criers from around the country plus national champions from Australia and Bermuda after performing a cry on the subject of The Britannia Royal Navy College.

Terry’s latest trophy is his third in the four major competitions held in the UK over the last 12 months. His other two wins came in the Ancient and Honourable Guild of Town Criers championship held in Calne, Wiltshire in July 2023 and the Loyal Company of Town Crier British Championships hosted in July 2023 in Halifax, West Yorkshire.

It’s thought that no other crier has ever bagged three major titles in a year and Terry could yet go on to complete a historic triple victory in a calendar year when he takes on two British Championships in September. These are the Loyal Company of Town Criers championship on the September 7, in Sleaford, Lincolnshire and the Ancient and Honourable Guild Championship a week later on the September 14 in Montgomery, Wales.

Speaking of his victorious 12 months Terry said: “I was incredibly pleased to have the good fortune to win the two national championships within such a short period of time. Winning the Armada Cup was a complete surprise, as it is based on the aggregate score over the three competitions in the west country on consecutive days. I was also shocked to find my wins over the past 12 months are a first in crying circles. I'm looking forward to trying to retain my titles this year so I can create another record for my town of Otley.”

Chairman of Otley Town Council’s Trade and Tourism Committee Paul Carter said: “We are extremely proud of Terry and his incredible achievements. With his booming voice offering regular proclamations, he is quite the attraction for visitors and residents alike, always drawing a crowd to hear his latest cry. Otley thanks him for his service to the town.”

Terry is one of the most decorated town criers in the country with over 50 victories since he became the Otley Bellman in 2011. In his role he plays a significant civic duty in the town and can be seen on many occasions walking around Otley in his blue, white and black regalia, carrying his bell and exercising his duties, from delivering messages and communications, to leading Church and other parades. He also makes proclamations on behalf of Civic and charitable organisations and has appeared in several of Otley’s tourism promotion films over the years.