Dinner Lady (31 years); Lollipop Lady (10 years)
And what a retirement it was! The celebrations started on 19 March with an assembly at the school and continued until Friday 26 March at the final Road Crossing Patrol at 330pm.
The Assembly consisted of prayers, songs and sketches performed by the pupils which demonstrated their love and affection for Pam. At the end of each sketch the children involved presented her with examples of their own work, together with work done by each member of that class – some academic, some craft, plus innumerable bunches of flowers. There were so many flowers that we ran out of vases and containers and had to improvise! In all, some two hundred children were involved.
Other gifts included a beautiful wooden garden seat, M&S vouchers, a delicious iced cake complete with a floral bouquet and plaque indicating the number of years service. Along with more flowers a video of the children at play was presented, which you can be sure will be well used. Also attending the Assembly was Christine, representing the Road Traffic Unit and she presented Pam with a framed certificate in appreciation of her ten years service as a Lollipop Lady.
On Friday evening at a buffet in her honour, Pam was delighted to meet old friends, including the teachers and staff, the school governors, and Chis Ward (former Headmistress), Chris Coronda (former Deputy Head) and Sandra Hateley (former Nursery Nurse). Pam, although she had hoped to leave both jobs “quietly and without fuss” thoroughly enjoyed what was a wonderful day and would like to thank Lyndon and all his staff for their work orchestrating such a memorable and emotional day. The children excelled themselves in the work they presented to Pam and we felt that it was worthy of being shown publicly, to be seen by a wider audience.
On Friday there were more presents from both the kitchen staff and the dinner ladies and Heather arrived from the Road Traffic Unit with a bouquet of flowers. The final Lollipop duty at 3.3Opm proved to be an equally emotional occasion. Flowers and gifts arrived by the armful and the children and some of the parents demonstrated their affection and respect for Pam.
One of the most poignant moments for me, and there were a number during the week, was of Pam standing in the middle of the road, her uniform in disarray, her lollipop sign covered in balloons, a bunch of flowers in the other hand, with tears streaming down her face, trying to direct the traffic. I couldnt help thinking that the little “evacuee” I married 43 years ago was now a respected villager! Thank you Chipperfield -
God bless you all. P. J. Dawe (Uncle) Proud Husband
P.S. Pam apologises if she has forgotten to thank any one individual, but the presents and flowers came so fast that it was impossible for her to remember all who gave. However, the one person we both wish to thank from the heart is June Timberlake, who year after year, as regular as clockwork, has provided a hot “cuppa” on those oh so cold mornings. Bless you June.