Is it stressful? In my previous job I knew what stress was like – I was a bank manager. Then I had a mid-life crisis and I wanted to find a job not connected with my previous life. So in the summer season things can get a bit busy, but I can’t really complain!
Chryssa Panoussiadou
Is it lonely? We lock-keepers are very autonomous, which suits me. We have team leaders but on a day-to-day basis I am trusted to manage the site. My next colleague is a mile and a half away, down the river. All the Thames lock-keepers get together a couple of times a year – we’re a very widespread family. But I’d say I have the best of both worlds: open countryside, and a ten minute walk into the local town, Lechlade.
In my previous job I knew what stress was like – I was a bank manager”
What’s the worst thing? I don’t like dealing with people who’ve had accidents. That can range from a broken arm to discovering a corpse. We do also have a few ‘splashers’ – people who fall in the river. It’s my responsibility to take control of the situation. A chap fell in last year who was well into his 70s. The crew were panicking and trying to pull him out but I knew the water level was very low, so I said, ‘Can you stand up?’ And he realised that he could – so I just lowered the ladder and he managed to climb out. Sounds like you’ve found your dream job… I was always interested in water and boats since I was a young lad. I moved here specifically to work on the river. I even stay on the river for my holidays – I have my own boat. This will be my ninth summer season at St John’s Lock. ■ Clare Bayley c.bayley@unison.co.uk
ACTNOW Join UNISON members like Peter in our march for a future that works on 20 October in London. For more information go to unison.org.uk/20102012.
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