In front of a crowd of friends, leaders from local government, philanthropy and community past and present, Kenny Podmore nearly fumbled his final cry.
The Sidney man stumbled only slightly at the most emotional moment of his final proclamation B次元官网网址� when mentioning wife Anita and her unwavering support B次元官网网址� during his retirement party as official town crier Jan. 23 in his hometown.
Mayor Cliff McNeil-Smith opted not to try the bell but did read a couple of submitted poems and other heartfelt messages sent by those who could not attend before offering his own words, and a key to the city.
B次元官网网址淵ou really have to decide whether to focus on one aspect of his incredible community service or attempt to capture it all, which is nearly impossible,B次元官网网址� McNeil-Smith told the crowd. B次元官网网址淚n 1998 Kenny began sharing his extraordinary gift for public speaking as deputy town crier alongside Burt Stevens. In 2003 Kenny stepped into the role of SidneyB次元官网网址檚 official town crier, a position he held with honour for 22 years.B次元官网网址�
Already a rooted town crier when he landed on Sidney shores for the 6th World Championship in September 1997, Podmore met his wife Anita Brewster. He returned from England to be with her the next year and they married in 2000.
The decades following are filled with accolades and awards, including the Town of Sidney Community Builder Award in 2017 and Volunteer of the Year in the Peninsula B次元官网网址 Review Local Hero Awards in 2023. A man of many hats, Podmore includes town crier, master of ceremonies, marriage officiant and Santa Claus among his roles.
HeB次元官网网址檚 spent countless hours volunteering with organizations such as Rotary, Peninsula Celebrations and the Saanich Peninsula Hospital and Healthcare Foundation. HeB次元官网网址檚 fundraised for families locally and communities across the continent, McNeil-Smith noted.
The mayor fondly recalled how Podmore lent his character to a Peninsula PlayersB次元官网网址� winter pantomime one year, taking to the stage in the Charlie White Theatre wearing tights and a tutu to perform as a sugarplum ferry alongside Clive Tanner.
In recent years, he helped fellow English veteran, the late John Hillman of Oak Bay, achieve citizenship in 2022.
B次元官网网址淜enny, you have an enormous heart and your heart is a part of everything you do,B次元官网网址� McNeil-Smith said.
B次元官网网址淚 thank you for your service and on behalf of the town and council it is my honour to present you a key to the city.
B次元官网网址淭his gesture symbolizes trust and honour it originated in the walled towns with gates that were locked at night B次元官网网址� donB次元官网网址檛 get any ideas," McNeil-Smith said cheekily. "The key represented the recipientB次元官网网址檚 freedom to enter and leave the town at will as a trusted friend.B次元官网网址�
Rather than a speech, Podmore rang his bell one last time B次元官网网址� or rather three, accompanied by the traditional oyez, oyez, oyez B次元官网网址� for one final cry to thank the community and his wife.
It earned him a standing ovation:
B次元官网网址淚 stand before you with honour and pride, but with deep emotions, very much inside.
My incredible town crier journey has come to an end, but my community journey will never end.
A journey such as this had many ups, with the occasional down, but oh what an honour to serve this beautiful town.
Each one of you played such an important part, supported me on this amazing journey, right from the start.
But one very important person has supported me through and through my Canadian life, and of course that is my lovely wife.
Anita, I thank you for always being there for 25 years weB次元官网网址檝e been privileged to share.
So to everyone, and each and every one, thank you. I had a ball.
God bless Canada.
And God save the king.B次元官网网址�
