A POPULAR lollipop lady has said goodbye to the children and families she has faithfully protected at the same crossing for 28 years.
Maureen Mullins, of Bourne View, Greenford, was showered with gifts and kind words when she announced her retirement. And last Thursday, the 66-year-old was invited to the Town hall by the mayor of Ealing, Rajinder Mann, to be officially thanked for her work.
Ms Mullins guarded the crossing come rain or shine at the corner of Bilton and Federal roads, Perivale, looking after children from both Perivale Primary and St John Fisher Primary. Both schools held special assemblies to show their gratitude and wish her well in the future.
She said: “I enjoyed the job, especially seeing the children and their parents. Some of the children used to come back to say hello even when they'd grown up and started working. One of the mums gave me a big white teddy bear when I left. I used to look after her when she was seven and in the end I was taking her five children across the road. It was a long time, which must mean I'm getting old, but I don't really feel my age.”
Ms Mullins said the job was a little dangerous at times but she is proud nobody ever got hurt on her watch.
She added: “I used to stand with my back where there were lorries coming from the industrial estate nearby, it's a busy road. But that and the rain or snow never really bothered me.”
Ms Mullins retired because she is moving towards Uxbridge to be closer to friends. Her replacement is already in post. She also worked at Perivale Primary as a lunchtime supervisor for 25 years, up until three years ago.
Children at the school made her a farewell card which they all signed.
She said: “I'm really going to miss the people, that's what I loved about the job.”
