D’MOUTH AT WORK
Sophie White (camera shy!) Sales person at Dartmouth Steam Railway & River Boat Co.
swoop in from behind. It doesn’t help that some people still feed them. Do you work in here all year round? No, most of the kiosks shut down for the winter (apart from Dave’s by the Park & Ride). So then I go onto the boats. I like that because it’s a bit different and warmer. It’s nice to watch the visitors enjoying our trips. Mind you, they could be more generous when it comes to tips!
What are the down sides of the job? Well… I don’t get much free time. I work six days a week, eight ‘til four. I live in Paignton so by the time I’ve crossed the river to pick up my car and driven home I’m shattered. Then it’s up early to be back over here again for eight. What do you do with your (limited) spare time?
How long have you worked in the kiosk? Two and a half years.
What other jobs have you had? I used to be a courier on the coaches. That was good fun, going all over the place talking to all the passengers on the microphone! Typical day? I open up at about 8am, get the boards and leaflets out, then start selling tickets and promoting our trips – from paddle steamer to steam train. Then I begin answering the hundreds of questions about what’s on offer on the water. Do you get asked many silly questions? “How long is the one hour river cruise?” is the classic! Also “Is the higher car ferry just for hire cars?” (While we’re talking, Sophie’s approached by a foreign tourist who hasn’t realised the train he’s about to catch is on the other side of the river!). I do get asked a lot of general questions too - my kiosk’s the first thing people see when they get off the boat and they head straight for me - “Where IS the nearest toilet?”! You must see a few seagull attacks from here? Yes... loads, and they’re definitely getting worse! Some visitors are totally unaware and just sit down or walk along with their pasty or ice cream and the seagulls
Not a lot! I live with my parents so I spend quite a bit of time with them. I have a Jack Russell called Woody and he loves going for a walk down to Preston Beach. Ready for Regatta? Yes, we know it’s going to be chaos but I like it when it’s busy - makes the day go faster. We’ll all be working longer hours for the firework and Red Arrow cruises. I probably won’t get to see many events as I don’t really get to leave my kiosk, but I can hear it all. I always think Regatta marks the end of the season. It’s a big build up then, like magic, it’s all over - on the Sunday it’s as if it never happened, everyone’s gone and it’s quiet once again. Wine or beer? Both, mixed together!! Cinema or theatre? Neither Crisps or chocolate? Crisps
Boat or train? Boat
Darren’s Taxi
Short & Long distance (incl airports)
Credit Card facilities (most cards accepted)
07805 138850 6 seater
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