Longest-serving lollipop lady Joan receives award

It began one day when Joan Crossland stepped in to help school children safely cross the road when the lollipop lady didn’t show up - and now Joan, aged 72, is the longest-serving lollipop person in South Gloucestershire.

Come rain or snow, the community hero been helping children safely cross Hanham Road to get to and from Beacon Rise Primary School in Kingswood for 34 years. And this week she received a well-earned award for her commitment.

As part of the 70th anniversary celebrations for the national School Crossing Patrol service, Joan was presented with a commemorative badge, and personally thanked by the school’s prinicpal Chris Thomas in front of the children.

Speaking to Bristol World afterwards, Joan said: “I love it - I see the children from when they were very young to growing up, it’s just wonderful to see the changes and feel part of helping them to and from school. I’ve now been doing it for so long that I see parents who I remember helping cross the road, and they now have children I’m helping. It’s so nice.”

She added: “It started when the [lollipop] lady didn’t turn up. I stepped in for the day, and then kept doing it. It’s become part of my life - and I wouldn’t change it.”

Joan has three children who all went to the school and have since left. Asked how long she would do the role for, she said: “At the moment I’m fighting fit and well - I see no reason to stop.”

The number of lollipop people has dropped over recent years, partly due to a rise in aggressive motorists, according to South Gloucestershire Council. The authority is appealing for people come forward and help. Anyone who can help should visit www.southglos.gov.uk\recruitment