Put the Mortein away, heโ€™s friendly! Ossie the Mossie watches vigilantly over the much-loved Hexham Bowling Club, and after giving him a good insect-ion Iโ€™m pleased to report that he certainly doesnโ€™t suck!

Hexham Grey mosquitos have long been the bowloโ€™s symbol, so in 1994 members cobbled together $17,200 to build a personable pest of epic proportions. Basing his design on an oversized chicken displayed at a nearby car dealership, he was introduced by Lord Mayor John McNaughton to unprecedented scenes of jubilation. Of course some of the local bar-flys found Ossie to be quite buzz-arre, but ultimately warmed to him.

Like me, this super-detailed Big Thing is a real social butterfly! His legion of admirers certainly enjoyed honking their horns as they drove past during our photo shoot. We were like two peas in a pod but, whilst Iโ€™m a natural beauty, Ossie has had some work done to retain his youthful complexion.

Handsome from his head to his mosqui-toes

โ€œOssie had some plastic surgery in 2004 and 2008 because of damage from the elements and other insects,โ€ former Secretary Manager Jon Chin told an enraptured reporter from The Hunter Headline.

โ€œHe had another โ€˜nip and tuckโ€™ in 2010 when the Roads and Maritime Service ordered Ossie be moved back four metres to assist with the widening of the Pacific Highway. That time he received some animation including glowing green eyes, a new red belly, and a neon nose.โ€

After gawping in open-jawed wonder at Ossie and taking a few (hundred!) photos with him, make sure you pop into the club. Not only are the staff delightful, but the Riverside Bistro offers a banquet menu thatโ€™s to die for. Donโ€™t pass away, however, because the Big Kookaburra and the Big Ugg Boots are tantalisingly close and well worth visiting. Or perhaps you feel drawn towards the Big Pencil?

Alright, alright, Iโ€™ll stop bugging you now – bye!

A quick note: Unfortunately this post has received a number of disturbing comments referencing (forgive my language here) Ossie’s ‘big prick’, or variations thereof. Seriously guys, act your age and not your shoe size. Such ‘humour’ will not be glamorised on this website.