Profiles

Goathland is a popular destination for tourists, some keen to enjoy the moorland atmosphere and others wanting to visit Aidensfield, the alter ego of this pretty village when it features in the long running TV series 'Heartbeat'. But what many of them may not know is that the streets, verges, car park and toilets are all kept clean by a woman whose job title is 'village caretaker'.

Pauline Wright has been doing the job for around five years now and works for Scarborough Council. She has established a daily routine that operates year round, "hail, rain or shine" as she puts it. The first thing Pauline does when she arrives in the village in the morning is to open up her 'trusty shed' where she stores much of her gear - and where she keeps the kettle for those all important 'cuppas'!

Pauline enjoys a well-earned 'cuppa'!

It is also a bit of a haven in inclement weather although Pauline's favourite time of year is actually winter when, she says "I can get all the little jobs done without getting stopped, like painting the shed, painting fences, getting some weeding done - things like that." Winter is also when the residents of Goathland 'reclaim' the village after its summer influx of tourists.

The morning's first task is checking the toilets, something Pauline does several times a day. Although they belong to the North York Moors National Park it is her job to make sure they are clean and well-stocked. When she is satisfied that everything is in order there, Pauline moves on to empty the litter bins, 16 of them in varying shapes and sizes, and picking up litter which, in such a well-visited village, is an ongoing, year round job.

Keeping Goathland tidy

It is an unusual job which Pauline tackles with relish. She has a lively personality and obviously enjoys what she does, even though some of us might turn up our noses at the thought of cleaning up after other people on a daily basis.

Pauline says the job keeps her fit and she enjoys pushing her street cleaning barrow around Goathland and offering assistance to passers-by who often ask for directions or information about the village. She acknowledges that 'Heartbeat' is a major factor in attracting visitors. However, she confesses she doesn't watch the programme very often these days because she sees so much of the village during her working week.

Pauline with her trusty barrow

She also appreciates working on her own and to her own timetable. "The management in Whitby don't bother me much" she says, which is probably just as well since her direct boss is her husband, Colin. Pauline is keen to make it clear that he is a good boss and jokes "He knows if he's too horrible to me he won't get his tea!"

So after five years as Goathland village caretaker - and recently reaching a significant milestone birthday - does Pauline have any plans to retire from the job? Definitely not yet she says, "I really do enjoy it. It's a good life."