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Bill
Taylor drives the local ferry between Polruan and Fowey.
Years
ago he never imagined a life on the water but says he has never
been happier.
Bill
spent most of his working life on dry land. He was involved in farming
and construction. Five years ago he decided it was time for a career
change. He saw an advert asking for ferry crew, but never expected
to get the job so quickly.
"I
applied on the Monday, and was interviewed the next day," says Bill.
"On the Friday I had my various exams and I started work the next
week."
"I
love my job," he beams. "I meet with friends, never get bored and
every trip is different. Nothing stays the same on the water. Each
journey I make I see something new."
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| Heading
towards Polruan |
It
can occasionally get rough out in the Fowey estuary which separates
the town from Polruan. "I sometimes get holiday makers turning a
bit green when it starts to get choppy," says Bill.
"I
always say please put your head over the side of the boat. We like
to have a laugh with them, they take the jokes really well."
Bill
loves Polruan. "If anyone is in trouble the whole community will
rally round. We are very close in our village."
There
was a time when Bill left Polruan. "I went on holiday to Ilfracombe
for a week," he says. "As soon as we came back over the Tamar Bridge
I yelled at the top of my voice ‘I’m home!’. It was great to be
back."
Bill
is one of three ferry drivers who work very long hours. "The winter
is quieter but in the summer we share the shifts. Our first ferry
starts at 6:30am and the last is at 11pm."
Also
meet:
Pat Bate
Mavis Cocks
The local Webmaster
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