Sale lollipop lady celebrates 53 years with “absolutely no plans to retire”
A Sale ‘lollipop lady’ is celebrating 53 years of helping children cross the streets safely.
Heather Morris is a recognisable face in Sale’s Ashton on Mersey © MEN
Heather Morris started as a school crossing patrol warden – or a ‘lollipop lady’ as they are still affectionately known – in Sale in 1970. A well-known face in Ashton on Mersey, she began the job for what was initially just a week when she was asked to cover the patrol outside what is now the Busy Bees Nursery but was then Glebelands Road School.
She has been at the Glebelands Road/Park Road junction since 1980.
Heather, 84, is thought to be one of the longest-serving patrol wardens currently working in the UK. Despite being asked about it a lot, she has no plans to retire and has remained in the job for such a long time due to her love of the children.
The grandmother of three said: “I really love it. I wish more people would do it, we need them badly.
"It gives you something to do, it gives you something to look forward to! The kids talk to you and they're everything, they are ever so good.
"They are ever so nice, ever so polite!"
Heather has helped generations of children travel to school in her time on the job. Local resident Kirsten Jones said: "I've known Heather for years, as she helped my two boys to cross the road in the 2000s and has also helped my grandson across the same road.
"During my time crossing to school with my boys, she was always there looking out for me if I’d had a difficult morning. She would wait for a chat after her shift had finished just to make sure I was okay.
"Heather is out rain, shine or snow and always greets everyone with a smile – she’s an angel in a Hi Vis!"
This mosaic was commissioned to mark Heather’s 45th anniversary
On her 40th work anniversary in 2010, Heather was awarded an MBE for services to education and in her 45th year, her signature greeting "Right, sweethearts", which indicates that it is safe to cross the road, was immortalised in a specially-commissioned mosaic by Anna Chopping and Zoe Taylor (see above). The mosaic was designed by local schoolchildren and took two years for the idea to become a reality.
The local community is invited to help Heather celebrate her longevity tomorrow (02 November) at 3pm, in her usual spot at the Glebelands Road/Park Road junction. The community has organised some gifts made by local artisans and gift vouchers to give to Heather. If Heather has helped you, or your children, over the past 53 years, please pop down to congratulate her on this great achievement!
