Tributes for popular school lollipop man
Petrolat lowprices Strathaven man Robert helped school kids for nine years
Supermarket giants Morrisons, Asda and Tesco have slashed petrol prices to less than £1 a litre.
The average price for petrol and diesel was up at 127p and 132p per litre respectively in January.
Now, it’s fallen to 113.2p and 117p in the space of four months.
Commenting on the cut in fuel costs during coronavirus lockdown, car insurance expert at Confused.com, Alex Kindred, said: “Lower fuel prices are great news for drivers using their vehicles for essential work, with many more returning to work this week.
“Drivers will no doubt be concerned about car costs and their finances during this challenging time.
“Almost one in three (32 per cent) drivers told us that fuel prices make it less affordable to run a car.
“But the rapid fluctuation in prices, as well as varying costs between regions and suppliers makes it confusing to know when and where we’re going to get the best deal.
“To help you find the cheapest fuel in your local area, you can use our petrol price finder to search for the best price. That way, you can avoid paying over the odds.”
LEONA GREENAN
A popular lollipop man from Strathaven has died following a long illness.
Robert Baxter – who manned the Low Waters Road junction for Woodside Primary – sadly passed away in hospital on Sunday, May 3.
The 80-year-old had served the school as their crossing patroller for nine years, but was forced to take a step back after taking unwell in May last year.
He had previously spent 15 years working as the janitor at Strathaven Academy.
His proud daughter Lesley said: “We were immensely proud of dad and know how well loved he was in the local community in and around Woodside Primary School and School Street, where he lived happily with mum.
“We feel it only right that people should know about his passing.
“Dad never actually retired and was still working at 79-years old as a school crossing patroller – only forced to take time off after taking unwell last year.
“He loved his job and made a point of learning everyone’s name that he helped cross, both children and adults alike.
“He firmly believed this was key to not only helping the children develop their road safety but in maintaining a sense of wellbeing within the community.
“If it hadn’t been for illness he would still be working to this day. He will be deeply missed.”
Robert’s heartbroken wife Alice added: “On behalf of our family we would like to thank Co-op Funeral Services in Hamilton, Ward 13 at University Hospital Hairmyres, Lloyds Pharmacy on Low Waters Road, Hamilton and Portland Park Medical Centre for all their care and support over the last year.
“We thank everyone in the local community for their kind words also.”
Woodside Primary’s head teacher Elaine Renwick was saddened to hear of his passing and paid tribute the “much-loved” lollipop man.
She said: “Woodside Primary are very sorry to hear of the sad passing of our school lollipop man, Mr Baxter.
“Mr Baxter was much-loved by the local community and ensured our children made it safely to and from school for many years.
“He will be sadly missed.
“Our thoughts are with his family at this sad time.”
He is survived by wife Alice, children Jackie, William and Lesley, five grandchildren and his twin sister Marie Findlay, also of Hamilton.
His funeral will take place at South Lanarkshire Crematorium on Tuesday, May 19, at 11am for immediate family only due to COVID-19.
The family regret that unfortunately due to these restrictions there will be no open service prior to the crematorium.
His funeral cortege will leave from the family home in School Street, Hamilton, at 10.40am.
Should anyone wish to pay their respects the family ask that people do so from afar within School Street with safety and restrictions in mind maintaining the two-metre social distancing guidelines.