Pupils past and present turned out in force to bid a fond farewell to North Yorkshire’s longest serving lollipop woman.
Mary Fisher has helped generations of schoolchildren cross the busy Pateley Bridge to Harrogate road outside Summerbridge Community Primary School since 1975. After 47 years and about 18,000 shifts, she retired on Friday.
Mary’s final patrol took longer than usual as dozens of children and adults turned out to cross the road and give her a hug.
At the school, children lined up to say thank you and give three cheers to the woman who has done so much to serve the community.
One of many hugs for Mary on her last day. Pic: Nevin Ward
Nevin Ward, a former chair of governors at Summerbridge school and near-neighbour of Mary, said Mary never forgot a child’s birthday and always gave them a small present. he added:
“She’s one of those lovely, selfless people who believes in being kind.”
An online fundraising campaign, set up to raise £100 to buy Mary a present, generated about £1,600.
A vacancy for a lollipop person now exists.
Friday’s emotional farewell at the school. Pic: Nevin Ward
Mary and her late husband Jim, who was a chimney sweep and volunteer firefighter, came to North Yorkshire in 1954 and moved to Summerbridge two years later.
They had four children, who all went to Summerbridge school and Mary developed an attachment to the school that eventually saw her become a lollipop woman.
Two years ago, when she celebrated her milestone of 45 years, she said:
“I love being outside and active as well. I have to be out and about rather than sat inside. Not a day goes by where I think I don’t want to get up today and do it.”
Read more:
- Mary, 87, retires after 47 years and 18,000 shifts as a lollipop woman in Summerbridge
- Firefighters rescue family trapped on black ice in Nidderdale
- Gallery: Stunning photos of Nidderdale in winter
Is Mary the Harrogate district’s longest-serving lollipop woman?
An 85-year-old lollipop woman in Summerbridge has celebrated her 45th year of helping children cross the road.
Mary Fisher has helped three generations of children at Summerbridge Community Primary School.
She took up the role in 1975, when Harold Wilson was Prime Minister and Leeds United reached the final of the European Cup, and has been excited by it ever since. She said:
“One of the best parts of the job is that everyone recognises you – everyone always waves at me.
“I love being outside and active as well. I have to be out and about rather than sat inside. Not a day goes by where I think I don’t want to get up today and do it.”
Read more:
- Western Primary School urges council to tackle road fears
- Summerbridge author’s new book raises money for cancer charity
Ms Fisher worked as a carer for more than 30 years before retiring in her 60s.
“I’d get up in the morning and go to my caring job, before coming back and getting changed and going out to be a crossing lady. I did that for many years and I enjoyed it.
“The community thinks the world of us lollipop ladies and the job we do and every day is different and every day is happy.”
Nick Coates, headteacher at the school, said Ms Fisher was “a treasured member of our community for generations” who had “ensured the safe crossing of the busy road for hundreds of children”. He added:
“Not only does Mary ensure that everyone is safe, but she always has a kind word for the children and a wise word for the parents, many of whom she has known for all of their lives, too.”