WORKING WITH THE GLUTTON Peter Clements Talks About His New Recruit
A
s Peter Clements goes about his daily work in Dartmouth these days he is attracting attention.
It’s not unusual for strangers to initiate inquisitive conversations, or even to ask to take his photo. The reason for all the interest is his new colleague
The Glutton – a creation reminiscent of the Teletubbies Noo Noo (some of you will understand!) The Glutton is a voracious machine – a giant
snuffling guzzler that is making light work of litter, leaves and debris on the streets of Dartmouth, and is making life a lot easier for Peter and his colleagues on the South Hams District Council team. “Everyone loves The Glutton – I’m attracting a lot of attention these days!” Peter said. “Lots of people want to ask me about it and I keep having my photo taken. I must be in people’s photo albums all over the place!” Peter describes himself as a road sweeper, adding: “I’ve probably got some fancy title these days but don’t ask me what it is.” He’s been working with the new machine for a few months now, and said: “It’s very efficient, brilliant with leaves and powerful enough to pick up paper, bottles, cans, cigarette ends and those bits of plastic glasses that you find everywhere after the Regatta. It’s a big help at keeping the streets clean and tidy – but we still
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resort to a wheelbarrow and brush for the fiddly bits. Even a posh machine like this can’t get everything…” Peter lives in Townstal with his wife, Drucilla. The couple have been in Dartmouth for 20 years, and for the past ten of those Peter has worked for the district council. He was born in Slapton and grew up enjoying the freedom of village life – the fields and the beach. “My father died when I was five, so I was brought up by my grandparents,” Peter said. “There were sad times, but I must say I had so much love, and my grandparents were brilliant. They gave me a wonderful childhood. We had very little compared to children today (a Christmas stocking contained an orange and some nuts, and we were thrilled!) but we felt like we had everything because we had the open countryside and the beach. What else could we want?” Peter added: “I’ve always worked and I’ve always worked hard, but I’ve done all sorts. For a time I worked in the Naval College, but I prefer this job. I love being outdoors in the fresh air, whatever the weather (although it’s better when it’s not raining). I go along the Embankment with The Glutton and the view is beautiful – every day something different. “I meet all sorts of interesting people and see all sorts of things. It’s a sociable job. People walk beside me and have a chat, and I get to know everyone. It couldn’t be better – well what could be better than fresh air and a beautiful view?” Peter’s happy in his work but if he’s all smiles at the moment it’s because these are happy times in the Clements’ household. His stepson has just returned safely from serving with the Logistics Corps in Afghanistan – a welcome Christmas present indeed.
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