Town crier to get new suit for championships

And town crier Robin Whicker, pictured, is no different. He hopes his new suit will be the business when he travels to Chester next month for the World Town Crier Tournament.

Mr Whicker, who has performed town crier duties for Alderney Week since 1984, will be competing against 25 participants from around the world, many of whom perform professionally.

In honour of the event he is being measured up for a new, more formal costume, consisting of a woollen three piece suit plus a dress shirt.

'The last time I wore anything as formal as this was as a very young soldier as part of my dress uniform,' said Mr Whicker.

'It's all very exciting. I don't know any former soldier who doesn't feel better when he is smartly turned out.'

The outfit succeeds the costume by Liz Sumner that served him so well over recent Alderney Weeks.

'I was delighted a few years ago when my old coat was replaced with a light fabric for Alderney Week and having a really formal uniform designed for me is another thrilling step forward,' said Mr Whicker.

Local dressmaker and designer Ruth Hughes, also pictured, has less than two weeks to create the costume before it is unveiled in Alderney Week.

The coat, waistcoat and breeches are being made in wool barathea, and decorated with red and gold military brocade, while the jabot and cuffs of his new shirt will be made with real lace, sourced on-island. It will be fashioned with an Alderney twist.

'It's quite an unusual commission – I'm making it between wedding dresses – but I really enjoy the challenge,' said Mrs Hughes.