Recently, the Arfon Recycling Team has welcomed a new member to their midst, with Angharad Williams being appointed as the first woman to receive a job with the collection crew. Therefore, this is an opportunity to welcome Angharad to the Council and get to know her better.
Why did you apply for a job with the Recycling Team?
It was time for me to change my career after spending fifteen years working for Argos. I was brought up on a farm and I was keen to work outdoors and see the countryside. I'm used to getting up early, which is a good thing as I have to be in the depot by 5:30 in the morning.
What do you enjoy about the job?
The thing that I enjoy most is being appreciated by the public, that is a very special feeling. No day goes by where we are not thanked by the residents of Arfon or receive a box of chocolates.
The job also keeps me fit; I walk seven to ten miles a day as I work. I am more than ready for bed by half-past eight after walking all of those miles.
I am so lucky to work with a good crew who have welcomed me straight away. It's nice to have fun when working and see the countryside. Before starting in this job, I had never been to Rhyd-ddu, but now I work there on the round and I'm looking forward to going walking there over the summer.
How does it feel to be the first woman in this job?
I was quite concerned at the start in terms of how the team would take to me, but they have been great and have looked after me from the first minute! Nothing is too much trouble for them and I already feel like one of the crew. I put pressure on myself at the start as I wanted to do everything right, but I am very proud of myself for taking this step and going for the job.
I hope that I will encourage more women to apply for jobs in the field. As it happens, one of the girls I worked with in Argos has said that she'd be interested to apply for a job like this.
What are your hobbies outside work?
I really enjoy rugby and I am a member of the Caernarfon women's rugby team. I also have a black belt in kick-boxing.