Posted on Monday 30th September 2024
Photo of Graham Scott
During October, Staffordshire is shining the spotlight on two of its School Crossing Patrols, as part of International Day of Older Persons.
81-year-old Graham Scott from Newcastle and Suzy Abbey-Somers aged 71 from Stafford have been lollipop people for a combined 36 years. The duo are now sharing their experience of being in their later years and living life to the full as part of the annual celebration on 1 October.
Graham works at Hempstalls Primary School in Newcastle where he helps get children safely to and from school.
The octogenarian said:
“I absolutely love being a lollipop man. it gives me an incentive to get up in the morning and knowing that I’m serving my local community is a great feeling. I also think the job helps keep me young.
“Older people have a lot to give and will have lots of life experience and knowledge that younger people can learn from. It’s really important that we celebrate the contribution that older people make in our communities.
“My family wanted me to retire last year after all the bad weather we had, but I reminded them that I would retire and hang up my lollipop stick when my body tells me too.”
Graham shares his experience in this short video.
Suzy Abbey-Somers works at John Wheeldon Primary Academy in Stafford and said:
“14 years ago I started my job as a lollipop lady and it’s been the best decision I have ever made.
I feel part of the school community and knowing the difference I make each day to the children is very rewarding. Seeing the children each morning and when they say ‘morning Suzy’, always puts a big smile on my face.
“We need to celebrate the older generation, like myself because they make a huge contribution to society. I can’t see myself retiring for another 15 years at least, I love this job and it gives me a real purpose in life.”
Suzy explains why we should celebrate older people in this video.
Staffordshire has more than 220 patrols, working outside schools and busy sections of roads and include people from all walks of life. Currently the youngest patrol is 17 and the oldest is 84. Over 100 are aged 55 plus.
Mark Deaville, Cabinet Member for Strategic Highways at Staffordshire County Council said:
“It’s important that we give older people the chance to be active members in our communities.
“Older people have so much to offer and our School Crossing Patrol Service is incredibly lucky to have such great people, many of whom are older. Suzy and Graham do a brilliant job in keeping children safe and are wonderful ambassadors for older people.”
International Day of Older Persons recognises and celebrates the contribution older people make and helps raise awareness about issues affecting their lives.
Further information on the service and details of current vacancies are available at We're Hiring!