Terry: Unusual Litter Picker

Terry Young is an unusual litter picker.

I bumped into Terry yesterday in Winchester city centre, where he was pushing an impressive wheelbarrow with containers decorated with daffodils, daisies, and the Union Jack.

His containers spotted striking red lids and front moulding.

Wearing a black top hat and a bright orange vest printed with the words ‘British Airways’, Terry and his striking barrow attracted many people’s attention. I was one of them.

Terry picks up litter voluntarily in Winchester with his pretty barrow.

Tourists would stop to ask Terry the directions to Winchester Cathedral. I saw Terry chatting happily to tourists and the local.

Ex-military man Terry told me he used to live in Chandler’s Ford near Peverells Wood Avenue for 25 years, but since his wife’s death, he moved back to Winchester five years ago.

Terry picking up litter in Winchester with litter picker. I met Terry in Winchester city centre. He told me he enjoyed picking up litter and greeting visitors. — Terry enjoys picking up litter in Winchester city centre.

Terry also told me that he is employed to look after the grass in front of Winchester Cathedral. He maintains the cleanliness there from Friday to Sunday, and on Easter and Christmas day.

Terry came up with the idea of picking up litter in Winchester city centre with style. He has pushed his trendy wheelbarrow around Winchester city centre for three weeks. Terry loves Winchester, and he wants to help make it litter free.

Terry and his charming barrow - making Winchester city clean. — Terry and his charming barrow – making Winchester city clean.

Terry told me that he spent £700 for his equipment, but his kind act has attracted donations, £350 each, from Winchester BID and Winchester Litter Pickers.

Terry receives support from Winchester BID organisation.

Terry’s colourful cart has also attracted business attention. He told me that some businesses in Winchester have asked to put up adverts on his Space-Liner barrow. I was pleased for Terry.

I bumped into Terry four times within one hour in different corners of Winchester city centre yesterday and his barrow and cheerful presence brightened my day. At the bus stop waiting for Bluestar Number 1 back to Chandler’s Ford, I saw Terry crossing the road outside Sainsbury’s, and he greeted me again: “Janet, you have a beautiful smile!”

Terry is more than a litter picker. He is a tour guide and ambassador for Winchester city centre.

Terry in smart suit picking litter in Winchester city centre.

On the 31st of May this year, I visited Winchster and bumped into Terry again. He looked smart and he told me this smart suit is his working outfit, and he wears his smart suit when it is not raining.