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Folk can be whiney buggers.
That’s great background BR.So here it is! In 1987 I started my career as a River Warden on that very estuary, the amazing River Dart, a dream of a job I carried on as a Warden/Water Bailiff/Fishers Officer until I retired in 2015 at the age of 57. Back then I had 12 licences Salmon nets to keep an eye on, and make sure they were keeping to the rules, mostly they were, but I did need the odd word at times! They were a great bunch, real characters, who I loved the banter with them.
I also sorted out a few illegal Salmon poachers, I was a fit, strong, belligerent rugby player, who had plied his trade at Torquay and formally Brixham, the latter being known for its physical approach to the game back then……I didn’t mind a bit of confrontation, I did it for a hobby!
I only did a couple of years on the estuary, before I was offered the Upper Dart beat. I grabbed it with both hands, for me the Dart Estuary was a dream, but to have the Dart on Dartmoor was another level, every Water Bailliff in the county wanted the non tidal Dart…..And it was mine!
So, being Torquay born and bred living there until 14, then 10 years in Paignton and 9 years in Brixham, we upped the family and moved to the Dartmoor National Park, all expenses paid, back then you had to live on patch and work from home. My absolute love affair with Dartmoor was really under way, although I always had a hankering for the Moor. But I was third in line skipper for our coastal Patrol boat, so got my taste of salt a couple of times a month.
I didn’t have a job, I had a way of life, a Torquay Council Estate boy with not a qualification to his name, ending up with the lifestyle I had. Due to cutbacks, VR was being offered, and as much as I loved the job, the package was just too good to let slip by, so I took the money and run! We still live in the same bungalow in the Park, and I still see some of my rugby mates from the bay, but they often ask the question……”Would you ever think of mov” ………That’s as far as they get! I have to be careful I don’t offend them…..But no.
So that’s me.
I’ve no idea what he’s on about either, I suspect he’s delirious with covid.Oh I would love to be able to spell, I could pick up on what you mean bill
Home from home.My little shelter in the woods. Soup and gammon sandwiches for lunch.
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More like boozed up in the hot tub!I’ve no idea what he’s on about either, I suspect he’s delirious with covid.
I’ve no idea what he’s on about either, I suspect he’s delirious with covid.