New town crier officially appointed in Amherstburg

Norm Ross (front row, second from left) is the new town crier, taking over from Frank Gorham. Front row (from left): Mayor Michael Prue, Ross, Gorham and Stephanie Thompson. Back row (from left): Karen Gyorgy, Janet Willoughby, tourism co-ordinator Sarah Van Grinsven, Terris Buchanan, Murray Speers and Lynda Fleury. The appointment of Ross was made official Monday evening.

There is a new town crier in Amherstburg.

Norm Ross, a retired principal and drama teacher, has been officially appointed as town crier. With the support of former town crier Frank Gorham, who retired in 2019, Ross was appointed Monday night.

Manager of economic development and tourism Jennifer Ibrahim reported Monday night that the town crier position is “supported and enhanced by the docent program put in place last year during Open Air.”

The docent team – consisting of Stephanie Thomson, Janet Willoughby, Brianne McLarane-Ross, Murray Speers, Karen Gyorgy, Lynda Fleury, Janice Emery and Terris Buchanan – works with Ross.

“These volunteers are co-ordinated and trained through a program developed by the tourism department,” said Ibrahim. “They provide their time every Saturday and Sunday during Open Air to dress in historic kit in the afternoon to walk King’s Navy Yard Park proudly sharing stories and heritage of our community. Their unwavering commitment to enhancing resident and visitor experiences and sharing with them our rich history is so well received and appreciated.”

Ibrahim added Ross and the docents have committed their time to do so again this year during Open Air Weekends and will provide free walking tours.

“The docents, along with administration, believe that Norm will carry forward the town crier tradition with pride and dedication,” she said. 

Costs are a one-time registration cost of $100, annual membership fees to the Ontario Guild of Town Criers at $60 and a stipend of $50 per appearance with six appearances estimated. The total estimated cost for 2025 are $460.

“All future costs will be reviewed in concert with available grant funding and or within approved Community Event operational budget funds, provided the program continues and the volunteer remains engaged,” Ibrahim added in a report to council. 

New town crier officially appointed in Amherstburg

By Ron Giofu