December 30, 2018 5.14 pm This story is over 63 months old

Cleethorpes lollipop lady on New Year’s Honours list

She has been in the job for over 50 years
Beryl in her uniform around 20 years ago.

A Cleethorpes woman has been awarded a British Empire Medal after devoting 54 years of her life to her role as a lollipop lady.

Beryl Maureen Quantrill, 82, has been helping children safely cross the roads on their way to school, standing out in all types of weather twice a day.

She is based at Queen Mary Avenue Infant School in Cleethorpes where she is loved by the children, their families and staff of the school.

Beryl, pictured around 10 years ago, is proud to have won the award.

Beryl has helped four generations of the same family to cross the roads, including her own children, grandchildren and great grandchildren

Her son was a baby when she started the job on £1.25 a week back on May 31 1964, but she has no plans to retire.

Beryl, who has four children, told Lincolnshire Reporter: “I was in shock, I never thought I’d get an award like that. It makes me very proud.

“I am still working five days, five hours a week. I love meeting people. There is no chance to get bored in this job. I love working with the children.

“I have now seen my own children, grandchildren, and now great grandchildren across this road.”

She also said she has no plans to retire and will keep on working as long as her health lets her as she still loves the job.

Supporting the community

Beryl also gives the children advice and information on road safety. On several occasions she has looked after and waited with children whose families are late in collecting them from school.

She has also supported a number of local community activities, including the Boys Brigade. She was a founding member of the long-running Sidney Friendship Group which is linked to St Aidan’s Church.

She helps to maintain the church, run the Sunday school, acts as the treasurer for the charity bingo, which raises money for charities including Air Ambulance and Cancer Research.

She also helps organise quiz nights and beetle drives to raise money for local charities.