Lollipop lady Margaret says farewell

Dedicated lollipop lady Margaret Baggley has retired after 40 years of helping children cross the road at Moorthorpe Primary School.
Picture by Allan McKenzie/YWNG - 25/08/15 - Press - Margaret Baggley Lollipop Lady Retirement - Moorethorpe, South Elmsall, England - Margaret Baggley retires after 40 years of lollipop lady duties.Picture by Allan McKenzie/YWNG - 25/08/15 - Press - Margaret Baggley Lollipop Lady Retirement - Moorethorpe, South Elmsall, England - Margaret Baggley retires after 40 years of lollipop lady duties.
Picture by Allan McKenzie/YWNG - 25/08/15 - Press - Margaret Baggley Lollipop Lady Retirement - Moorethorpe, South Elmsall, England - Margaret Baggley retires after 40 years of lollipop lady duties.

Great grandmother Mrs Baggley, 72, was forced to retire at the end of last term due to arthritis.

Having kept generations of children safe twice a day she is now putting away her lollipop stick for good.

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Mrs Baggley, of Harrow Street, said: “It was really emotional when I had to retire because I just absolutely loved it.

“I love the children, talking to them and keeping them safe but when your body tells you to stop, you have to stop.”

Mrs Baggley first started at the school when she signed a petition calling for a school crossing patrol on the then Moorthorpe First and Middle School.

She said: “One of the parents of a child at the school got a petition going because she was concerned about the level and speed of traffic.

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“I signed up to say I was interested and then 40 years on was still doing it.”

Mrs Baggley was a student at the school herself more than 60 years ago and she, and her family, have lived in Moorthorpe all her life.

She said: “People were very upset when I said I had to leave and it was mixed emotions for me as well.

“I had a really good relationship with the staff, the parents and all of the children.

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“It has been an absolute pleasure to work there and I’m really sad to have to retire.”

Mrs Baggley now plans to spend more time with her great grandchild, two grandchildren, two children and her husband.

She said: “It is time to relax now. I really didn’t want to have to give it up but I’ve got to think of myself.

“I’ll really miss all of the staff, parents and children.

“I have loved every minute of the past 40 years and would like to thank everyone for their support during my time at the school.”

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