Lollipop lady Jenny been sticking at it for 45 years and loves it
A MUCH-LOVED lollipop lady from Sapcote has been safely guiding children across the road for 45 years.
Crossing guard Jenny Hook says she still loves her job helping children across the crossroads, near the village Co-op, on their way to and from All Saints Primary School.
She is known by name by many families in the area, and always gets friendly waves from the youngsters at Smiles Day Nursery, when they go out for a walk.
“It’s something I look forward to every day. I’m very proud of what I do,” she said.
“I’m still loving it. I love the kids. “I lost my dear husband three years ago. The children have kept me going. I miss him still, we were married nearly 60 years.
“The children are just wonderful.” She said she sometimes gets a surprise greeting from adults who she once ferried across the highway during their school days.
Mrs Hook first took up the job to provide part-time employment while she was raising her own family.
She said: “When my son was seven - he’s in his 50s now of course - I decided I would like a little part-time job, so I could be with him during the school holidays.
“I put forward my name, at the time it was when the police organised it.
“One morning I had a rap at the door, it was a big burly policeman. I thought, Oh no, what have I done.
“He said, don’t worry, I need your help.”
He told her that a vacancy had come up for a crossing guard for All Saints, and soon enough Mrs Hook was on patrol in her hi-vis jacket.
These days, she says it’s more important than ever to be vigilant on the beat as the road has become much busier over the years. She said: “When I first started, it was just a gentle flow of cars. Now we have the big lorries, car transporters. There’s a lot more traffic and it’s a lot more dangerous. You have to have good hearing and eyesight, and be nimble on your legs, with the pace of the traffic. You have to get out of the way quickly.”
Vanessa Macey, school secretary at All Saints, said Jenny was a muchloved member of the school community. “Jenny is such a cheerful, chatty lady,” said Vanessa. “She is well-loved by all the children of All Saints’ Primary who cross with her at the Co-op. She always has a big smile and a wave as you’re passing.
“We wish her huge congratulations as she celebrates 45 years on the crossing.”