Beloved lollipop lady Brenda retires after 40 years of service

Brenda Gunther, one of the East Riding’s longest serving school crossing patrols, has retired.
-Credit:East Riding of Yorkshire Council


An East Yorkshire stalwart, Brenda Gunther, 84, is finally stepping away from her role as a school crossing patrol after dedicating 40 years to ensuring the safety of countless children in Goole.

Adored by both pupils and parents alike, Brenda has become a well-known figure, having spent the majority of her service on Western Road, assisting families at Parkside Primary School.

Reflecting on her long-standing tenure, Brenda said: "It’s time for me to retire. I’ve really liked the job. It’s got me out and talking to people.

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"I’ve met some really nice people. The parents and kids have been great."

Brenda, who looks forward to her 85th birthday later this week, took up the lollipop lady post in 1985. What started as helping out a friend on holiday turned into decades of dedicated service.

Her husband Eric also served as a school crossing patrol on Pasture Road from 1993 until 2007, and they were known as a lollipop couple.

With retirement now on the horizon, Brenda is excited for more travelling, saying "I love my bus trips." Her farewell was celebrated as she was gifted flowers and a framed certificate honouring her service from the East Riding of Yorkshire Council on Tuesday, January 14.

Colin Walker, head of transportation services at East Riding of Yorkshire Council said: “Brenda Gunther's 40 years of service is a remarkable achievement, and it is fitting that we mark her retirement on her final day at her school crossing patrol site.

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“We wish Brenda all the very best for her retirement and thank her for her dedication to ensuring the safety of pupils in Goole.”

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