Some tears were shed Wednesday night in Bridgewater as town crier Austin ‘Ozzie’ Stiles announced he was retiring.
Stiles was on hand to deliver a proclamation for the town’s volunteer recognition night at Bridgewater Junior High.
He then proceeded to announce his retirement.
The first cry for volunteer week was done in 1986.
“And I thought it was very appropriate at this particular time tonight to present you with this cry as it is my last one.”
The 83 year-old has been town crier in Bridgewater for more than three decades.
Meanwhile, Mayor David Mitchell was among the individuals who was emotional following Stiles’ announcement.
He says Stiles was proud to represent Bridgewater.
“His style is all charisma and confidence,” says Mitchell.
“He just comes out, the man never uses a microphone and he takes a great deal of pride in putting on his uniform.”
Stiles was believed to be the second oldest town crier in Canada when he retired.
Mitchell says he remembers one lighter moment with Stiles while walking the South Shore Exhibition parade one year.
“And the bell, the little dinger inside the bell, broke and he was frantically trying to fix it as we walked because it was unacceptable to him that he could not ring the bell.”
He says he plans to get Stiles’ help in finding the next town crier for Bridgewater.
(Photo Courtesy: Ozzie Stiles Facebook Page)
Reported by: Nick Yorston
Twitter: @NickYorston
E-mail: yorston.nick@radioabl.ca
