Mrs Lollipop hangs up her stick after 53 years of service
Monday, 28 November 2022
A much-loved lollipop lady from Ampthill – who has clocked up an incredible 53 years in her role – has decided to retire.
Joyce Shaughnessy, 80 years old, has helped generations of school children cross Dunstable Road to The Firs Lower, Alameda Middle, Russell Lower and Redbourne Upper schools in Ampthill since the 1960s making it seven decades of dedicated service.
Joyce said:
The children all call me Mrs Lollipop as when I first met them in reception class they couldn’t say my surname, and then it stuck all the way through their schooling.
Because I started when some children were 16 and 17 years old, they're now great-grandparents. So, I’ve been crossing them over as well – grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Our Executive Member for Community Services, Councillor Ian Dalgarno, said:
What a fantastic achievement! I would like to thank Joyce for all her years as a cherished lollipop lady in Ampthill. Few people can say they have served their local community for that length of time and made such a valuable contribution by keeping children and families safe.
I’m sure generations of children, their parents and school staff are thankful to Joyce for her amazing service and will join me in wishing Joyce every happiness in her retirement.
Tamsin Townsend, our Senior Road Safety Manager, said:
Joyce has been an inspiration to us all. After joining as a school crossing patrol officer in 1969, she has helped many generations of local families within Ampthill, Bedfordshire to safely cross the road to school. As her manager, I am truly sad to be losing Joyce as part of our team as she is a pleasure to work with and always puts a smile on our faces and the faces of the children. Whoever applies to fill the vacancy will have big boots to fill! I wish Joyce all the best in her retirement, which is thoroughly deserved after all these years.’