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29
Oct 2020
Last Updated: 29/10/2020
Is Mary the Harrogate district's longest-serving lollipop woman?
Mary Fisher, 85, has been helping children in Summerbridge cross the road safely for 45 years. Do you know of a longer-serving lollipop woman or man?
An 85-year-old lollipop woman in Summerbridge has celebrated her 45th year of helping children cross the road.
Mary Fisher has helped three generations of children at Summerbridge Community Primary School.
She took up the role in 1975, when Harold Wilson was Prime Minister and Leeds United reached the final of the European Cup, and has been excited by it ever since. She said:
“One of the best parts of the job is that everyone recognises you – everyone always waves at me.
“I love being outside and active as well. I have to be out and about rather than sat inside. Not a day goes by where I think I don’t want to get up today and do it."
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Ms Fisher worked as a carer for more than 30 years before retiring in her 60s.
“I’d get up in the morning and go to my caring job, before coming back and getting changed and going out to be a crossing lady. I did that for many years and I enjoyed it.
“The community thinks the world of us lollipop ladies and the job we do and every day is different and every day is happy.”
Nick Coates, headteacher at the school, said Ms Fisher was "a treasured member of our community for generations" who had "ensured the safe crossing of the busy road for hundreds of children". He added:
“Not only does Mary ensure that everyone is safe, but she always has a kind word for the children and a wise word for the parents, many of whom she has known for all of their lives, too."
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