Lollipop ladies total 90 years of service

Dudley Council has a team of 38 crossing patrols who work in Dudley, Halesowen and Stourbridge locations in the borough to help children and families as they make the morning and afternoon school runs.

Ann Cope, who is based near Jessons CofE primary, has worked for Dudley Council for over 35 years, covering the Dudley area in her daily patrols. Sharon Leonard, based at Hurst Green Primary in Halesowen, has clocked up 25 years and Lorna Turner has served the Beechwood Primary, St Joseph’s and Kate’s Hill Primary community for 30 years.

Their colleague Sally Lockett, based at Greenfields Primary in Stourbridge who couldn’t make the presentation has also served for 25 years.

Last week the Mayor of Dudley welcomed the trio into the council house, where they talked about their work in the community.

Councillor Hilary Bills, Mayor of Dudley, said:

“We are blessed to have such dedicated team members in our school crossing patrol team, they do such important work to help keep our children safe.

“I was honoured to meet Ann, Lorna and Sharon today to find out more about their incredibly long service, they have helped so many families and are now supporting a second generations of families.”

Ann Cope who has worked for 35 years as a school crossing patrol officer, said:

“ I love my job as it’s really rewarding knowing that I am crossing the children over the road safety and also teaching them the value of how to cross the road safely.  Although you are out in all weathers, you get used to it and it’s nice to be doing a job out in the fresh air. 

“The children appreciate you being there and it’s nice to see them grow up from nursery age to Year 6 when the leave to go up to secondary school.  

“I enjoy the job as I find it very satisfying as well as having all the school holidays.  I must enjoy it as I wouldn’t have lasted 35 years if I didn’t love the job”