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Monday, February 8, 2010
Tallest
town crier - world record set by Martin Wood
SHREWSBURY, UK -- Martin Wood, 52,
who stands 7ft 2in and who towers over tourists whilst conducting
tours of the town, sets the world record for the Tallest
town crier. 
"Standing at 7ft 2in and with a big
beard I am instantly recognisable," he said. Photo:NEWSTEAM
(enlarge
photo)
"I get a lot of attention and am very well known
in the community. Even when I am not in my regalia people
come up to me in the street. It is quite a cudos."
The 52 year-old, who towers over tourists whilst
conducting tours of the town, is also an official body double
for Harry Potter character Hagrid.
"It is great fun," said Mr Wood, who has
been the town's crier for 25 years. "I just enjoy making a
fool of myself. If anyone every needs a 7ft 2in hairy giant
I am your man.
"My height is an advantage because I can
shout over the crowds but it does not really matter how tall
you are. You have just got to have a good voice."
The world's
tallest town crier was a body double for the British
actor Edward Woodward in the 1984 film A Christmas Carol,
playing the character The Ghost of Christmas Present.
He has since signed up to a look-a-like agency
in London and has appeared at charity events and functions
as the big, hairy groundskeeper.
He was crowned the world's
tallest town crier at his first world championship
event in Belgium, where he towered over the previous Guinness
world record holder, an American who was 6ft 6in.
Mr Wood, who splits his time between
his town crier duties and caring for his disabled wife, also
conducts ghost tours around the town and talks with local
school children.
Being the town crier has taken him all over
the world, competing in championships and competitions, where
he is judged on his poise, cry and other aspects of the job
"It is amazing fun. No two days are ever the
same. It is one of those jobs where I love getting up in the
morning. I never get bored," he said.
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Monday, February 8, 2010
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