'Grockle' Rob Dadson, of Churchfields, Dartmouth, writes:

May I pay a generally light hearted response to Paul Quest and his recommendation that Dartmouth should pay more respect to tourists and refrain from using such terms as 'grockle' when referring to visitors.

Prior to retiring to the town some 5 years ago I had also visited on an annual basis for 50 consecutive years which appears to be 20 years more than Mr Quest. During that time I made many friends in and around the town and often heard local people speak of visitors as 'grockles' which I took in good humour. Some 20 years ago I was in a pub enjoying adrink with two of these friends, who happened to be brothers, when one used the term in the course of conversation. I immediately pointed out in a humorous fashion that I was actually a 'grockle' myself only to receive the response that I was not just any old grockle but, after so many years of returning on an annual basis, I was actually THE Grockle! Thus 'Grockle Rob' was born and I have been known as such to a good number of folk ever since – both in Dartmouth and elsewhere.

I'm actually quite proud of the title as, to me, it shows I have been accepted and, when I eventually moved here on a permanent basis I immediately called my new home 'The Grockles' which caused a bit of merriment all round.

On a more serious note, since moving here, I have become aware of why local people can find some visitors very frustrating. I have been informed by tourists on more than one occasion that Dartmouth is a bit of a dump in that it has no shopping centre whilst others have complained that there is nothing to see or do!

One elderly 'gentleman' even became very offensive when he discovered there is no Weatherspoons outlet in the town where he could get cheap booze. If you want 'kiss me quick' hats and 'what the butler saw ' machines there are plenty of other resorts to choose from that provide such 'delights' in abundance.

There is also the problem of tourists ambling about and frequently stopping to chat whilst remaining totally oblivious to the fact that they are blocking the pavements or shop entrances thus delaying local people that are not on holiday and need to go about their business at something faster than a snails pace. I am equally pleased to say that I have also met visitors that have been full of praise for this town and quite envious when they find I have retired here.

One thing I would add is that, in the 50 years prior to retirement, I was not a second home owner occupying a residence on a part time basis and thus depriving a true local of the possibility of purchasing a place in which to live.

My final comment is that I have yet to see any flying pigs or little green men but I did once know a bloke who frequently saw pink elephants for some reason or another.