Margaret bows out with verse

Margaret Bilham, the lollipop lady from Norbreck County Primary School, Norbreck Road, Cleveleys, has retired from her post, and the children at the school gave her a very fond farewell.

An eleven-year-old pupil at the school, Carly Nisbet, composed this special verse and farewell speech to send Margaret on her way in style.

"Our Lollipop Lady,

Her small twinkling eyes,

Her lovely curved glasses,

Brings smiles to our faces,

When we look from our classes,

Her small golden locks,

Are bouncing around,

And wherever she goes,

Her Lollipop's found."

"We are very sad you are leaving us.

" Whether it is in the morning, after school, raining or blowing a gale, you always showed up, to make sure we got to school safely.

"You always greeted us when crossing.

" I'm sure some of the parents will be sorry to see you go, as we all know they trusted you, and knew their child loved seeing you in the morning before school."

Margaret has had to retire due to ill health and the pupils held a special presentation ceremony for her at the school last Wednesday, December 20, which was attended by parents, teachers and friends.

Her job of helping children cross the road outside school has already been filled, but the council are always on the lookout for new road crossing recruits.

Blackpool's highway boss, Coun Roy Fisher, said people were always required to fill vacancies and go on the valuable standby list, filling in for people when they are sick or on holiday.

"The Council needs people aged between 18 and 70 who are reasonably fit with good eyesight and hearing and can give an hour a day for the benefit of the local community," said Coun Fisher.

"This rewarding role undoubtedly saves lives by providing safe crossing points for the town's children on their way to and from school."

Anyone interested in applying for a vacant post or joining the stand-by list should call Blackpool Borough Council Officer Bill Sheldon on 390695.