UK’s longest serving lollipop lady, 85, retires after 57 years serving Lincolnshire
Happy retirement Beryl, you have certainly earned it!
Beryl Quantrill is the longest serving lollipop lady in the country. Today, she hung up her hi-vis for the final time. | Photo: North East Lincolnshire Council
The longest-serving lollipop lady in the entire United Kingdom has worked her final shift in Cleethorpes today, bringing to an end a 57-year career.
Beryl Quantrill, 85, has been helping children in North East Lincolnshire safely cross the road since 1964, when she started working as a school crossing patrol at Barcroft School, for Grimsby Borough Police.
She was stationed there for 12 years before moving to Queen Mary Avenue Infant and Nursery School in Cleethorpes, where she has served the community for an incredible 45 years.
Beryl has served proudly as a lollipop lady since the 1960s. | Photo: North East Lincolnshire Council
Beryl is well known by the local families, helping three generations of children cross the road, and the country’s oldest lollipop lady is finally hanging up her hi-vis.
To mark her retirement, current employers EQUANS will hold a presentation and lunch at the Innovation Centre in Grimsby on Thursday, April 7, and students at Queen Mary Avenue have been passing on their good wishes, as well as arranging a special concert in the school.
At 85, Beryl shows she is a seasoned veteran on her final shift. | Photo: North East Lincolnshire Council
She has received a number of awards for her community service over the years, including being invited to the Queen’s Garden Party twice and doing the Christmas lights switch on with Santa at Freshney Place.
Beryl was given flowers on her final day in the job. | Photo: North East Lincolnshire Council
Beryl said: “I love the job. I truly believe the reason I am so fit and healthy at my age is because I have spent so much time out and about and walking to work.
“I’m touched by all of the comments and well-wishes that I’ve received. I’ve helped several generations of some families over the years, and I’ve always looked forward to seeing the children every day. I will miss going to school and seeing the kids.
“I’m looking forward to seeing the other school crossing patrols before I retire. There are a couple I have seen almost every day so it will be nice to say goodbye properly before spending my retirement relaxing and seeing more of my children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.”
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The final in the latest series of road closures for works on the A1, as part of the Grantham Southern Relief Road project, has been temporarily postponed
A weekend northbound A1 closure was due to be in place between 8pm on Friday, May 20 and 6am on Monday, May 23.
However, Lincolnshire County Council said the closure has been temporarily postponed and once new dates have been confirmed they will be shared.
Works on phase three began in April this year, with the council anticipating that winter 2023 will be the completion date for the relief road.
This will be with the view to reduce congestion and carbon emissions, and provide opportunities for growth in the local economy.
The £102 million Grantham Southern Relief Road project has been led by Lincolnshire County Council, supported by South Kesteven District Council, Highways England, Greater Lincolnshire LEP, Network Rail, Homes England, the Department for Transport and local business contributions.
Safety improvements have been carried out at corner where numerous accidents have occurred in East Keal.
The council is looking into what else can be done to prevent motorists from coming off the road at Hall Corner, while police are looking into the possibility of fitting a speed camera.
A cement lorry recently overturned on the corner in February.
Lincolnshire County Council has found a slight dip in the road where Blacksmith Lane meets the A16 could be the reason why heavy vehicles travelling at excessive speed are tipping over.
It is considering whether to smooth out and realign the road, but says it is concious of the impact that closing the A16 would have on traffic and local businesses.
Several safety improvement measures have already been put in place, including ‘slow’ markings, enhanced bend warning signs and improved chevrons.
Problems have been found with the road surface on the corner. | Photo: Google Street View
Lincolnshire Police are assessing whether a speed camera on the corner would be beneficial, and will be taking speed readings in the coming weeks.
Larger barriers and longer safety fencing have been proposed by the public. However, the county council says that in order for it to be big enough to withstand the impact of overturned vehicles, the cost can’t be justified.
Either the local parish council or the country council could also explore whether to fund a reactive speed sign on the location.
Richard Davies, executive member for highways, said: “We are very thankful to the residents and members of the parish council who have given us their ideas and support in what can be done at Hall Corner. Local knowledge and personal feedback are cornerstones of what we do in terms of delivering the best solutions in the most informed way.
“There has already been much done at this bend to try and mitigate the issues faced and we now have more planned for this particular area that will go on to encourage all road users to drive accordingly in line with the road and conditions.
“I would like to thank everyone involved so far for their input. We will all work together to get the best resolution we can for Hall Corner.”
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