Barbara Gould, a well-known lollipop lady in Middleton, Rochdale, has retired after 37 years of helping children cross the road on their way to school. Her career began at St Thomas More RC Primary and St Michael’s CE Primary School, where she also worked as a lunchtime supervisor. She later moved to the crossing at Grimshaw Lane, assisting pupils from schools including Alkrington Primary School and St Peter’s RC Primary School.
A Career of Smiles and Shared Stories
Reflecting on her long service, Barbara said: “I’ve enjoyed my job tremendously. It’s the joy of getting up and knowing who I will be seeing. The children always have a smile and they speak to me and share their problems.” She also noted the generational nature of her work, adding: “More recently, I’ve had the pleasure of crossing the children of people I crossed when they were at school.”
Barbara expressed mixed feelings about her retirement: “I will really miss the children, but I’m looking forward to spending more time with my family and myself and my husband are considering moving to Skegness, so we can enjoy some time by the sea.”
A Vital Presence for Families
Parents and children alike have praised Barbara’s impact. Jodie Ward, whose son Nathaniel Fletcher is autistic, said: “Nathaniel is autistic and he sometimes struggles to talk to people, but he loves seeing Barbara every day and he always tells her what he’s been doing. She sometimes gives him little treats. He will really miss her when she’s not here anymore.”
Councillor Dylan Williams, the council’s cabinet member for highways and facilities, was crossed by Barbara as a pupil at St Michael’s CE Primary School more than 20 years ago. He recalled: “As soon as I was told Barbara’s name, I remembered her from all those years ago. Everybody knows Barbara. She has a lovely presence. This crossing point is really busy, so Barbara has been a vital presence here.”
A Legacy of Safety
Cllr Williams added: “I know that she will have stopped countless children getting hurt on our roads over the years and that’s an incredible legacy she can walk away with. She’s been a credit to council and to the Middleton area and absolutely deserves a wonderful retirement.”
Recruitment for a new school crossing patrol to cover Barbara’s point is already under way.
