News - What's happening at pennywell

A Bright Idea

An incentive scheme run for employees at the Co-op store in Buckfastleigh has resulted in a regular supply of fresh fruit and vegetables for the tortoises at Pennywell Farm. Helen Bovey, an employee at the store had the bright idea that produce reaching it’s sell by date should be donated to Pennywell rather than being thrown away. Pennywell’s Chris Murray says, “We were absolutely delighted to be contacted by the store. It’s great news for the tortoises and it fits in very well with Pennywell’s green credentials as it means that less food will be thrown away.” Pennywell currently has nine tortoises. All have been donated in the past few years as the owners have either passed away or become too elderly to care for them. A purpose built retirement home has been provided for them to enjoy their old age and they are very popular with the visitors. The oldest tortoise, Billy is mature 86 years old while the youngest, Snoopy is a sprightly 35. One of the tortoises was actually donated to Pennywell after being found wandering near a landfill site.

The Co-op’s Bright Ideas scheme offers £100 cash reward for any ideas put forward by the staff that are put into place by the Manager of the store.

Great news for the tortoises and great news for the environment!