Town Crier Austin 'Ozzie' Stiles, middle, pictured with former mayors Tom Bird, Harry Cook, Ernie Bolivar, Carroll Publicover, David Walker and current mayor David Mitchell during a ceremony May 27 (Photo Courtesy: Town of Bridgewater)
It was never Austin ‘Ozzie’ Stiles’ intention to be a town crier.
The man in his 80s was thrown into the position after no one stepped forward during the former Summerfest event in Bridgewater.
Now, 40 years later he received a special visit during town council by five former mayors and the current one.
He left them each with a gift as he retires from the position.
“Small, little five to six inch bells with their name on it when they were mayor and my dates when I was town crier. I was just so pleased to see them all from Harry Cook right through to Mayor Mitchell.”
He says it has always been his pleasure to represent Bridgewater.
“The town crier is the representative of the mayor and his council but many times I’ve said his name and the citizens of Bridgewater; that’s who I really appreciate and will miss them as well.”
He says memorable events for him include breaking ground at the South Shore Regional Hospital and competing at town crier world championships in England, Belgium and Germany.
