Long-serving Bucks lollipop lady retires after 36 years

A lollipop lady who has worked on a school crossing patrol for 36 years has retired.

Janice Worger guided pupils across the road to  Stoke Mandeville Combined School.

Mrs Worger said: "I love welcoming the children into school each day and have enjoyed watching them grow up and then bringing their own children along to the school.”

When Janice first started her role, school crossing patrollers wore a simple, white dust coat. Now they wear high visibility fluorescent and reflective clothing to ensure they are seen by other road users, but they still carry their iconic ‘lollipops’ that give them their much-loved identity.

Janice’s abiding memories are of warm, friendly parents who wave to her from their cars, children who bring her Easter eggs, and gifts at Christmas.

"These are the little things that make you feel so appreciated," she said.

Peter Martin, Deputy Cabinet Member for Transport, who attended the special assembly to thank Janice said: “I would like to congratulate Janice for her incredible dedication and hard work over the years and to say thank you.

"Our School Crossing Patrollers do a fantastic job helping children across the county to have a safe journey to and from school every day.

"Whatever the weather, Janice and her colleagues are there with a smile on their faces and a cheery greeting, carrying out such an important job in our local communities.”

Janice first picked up her lollipop in 1989. Since then, she has helped guide thousands of children, parents and carers across the road to and from school and has become a much-loved figure for the whole school community.

Peter added: “School Crossing Patrollers also play a key role in promoting more active travel and encouraging families to walk to and from school instead of driving, by creating a safer environment to do so.

"This has a positive impact in multiple ways, from cleaner air to healthier lifestyles and important learning about road safety from an early age.”

Buckinghamshire has around 60 School Crossing Patrollers whose role is to provide a vital community service in helping children and families get to and from school safely every day and new recruits are always welcome.