A fond farewell to lollipop man George
A long- serving lollipop man waved goodbye to the pupils he has helped safely across the road for many years.
George Mawson hung up his crossing stick at the age of 81, having been on duty at Elderslie’s Wallace Primary for seven years, and at other schools for a decade before that.
The children and staff at the school could not let him go without wishing him all the best for the future.
Lynne Docherty, depute headteacher, said: “We held a special assembly and we had songs. The choir even sang a song about a lollipop man.
“The school made a card and everyone signed it.”
Mr Mawson was also presented with special artwork made up of words from the school that was made by the pupils.
He will be greatly missed by all of the staff and pupils at Wallace Primary, where he was liked by everyone.
“George knew all the pupils and all their names,” Lynne said.
“He was always laughing and joking. “And he kept the children safe.” Lollipop men and women are traditionally made up of retired members of the community who do the job for a few years after leaving work.
So it was wonderful that Mr Mawson made it into his 80s before deciding to call it a day.
“He is very good for his age!” Lynne added.
Opened in 1974, there are 400 places for pupils at Wallace Primary, with the present roll standing at 350.
And that makes around 2500 pupils Mr Mawson has seen safely across the cross for the past seven years at least.
Lynne said: “We are going to miss him, absolutely.”
George knew all the pupils and all their names. He was always laughing and joking Lynne Docherty Wallace Primary