School lollipop lady nominated for our awards

6:39pm Monday 21st April 2008

Comments (9)   Have your say »

A LOLLIPOP lady who has helped thousands of York's schoolchildren safely across busy roads is in line for a top award.

Morning and afternoon, for more than 33 years, Joyce Donkin has worked as the crossing patrol at Fishergate Primary School.

Everyday, the friendly and familiar figure has braved the elements to keep children safe. In over three decades she has seen thousands of children come and go.

One person who can well remember this friendly face is Coun Tracey Simpson-Laing. Thirty-five years ago Coun Simpson-Laing, of Leeman Road, York, was a child at the school - and now she wants to nominate Joyce in the Public Sector Hero category of The Press's Community Pride Awards for her sterling work in the community.

Coun Simpson-Laing said: "Joyce has worked at Fishergate Primary School as the crossing patrol for more than 33 years. I attended Fishergate between 1972 and 1978 and Joyce was there back then. Joyce has, it seems, never forgotten the many children she has seen across the road and I too have always said hi' over the 30 years since I left school."I would suspect that over the years she has seen thousands of children safely across the road at the school.

"These days she has to contend with increasing traffic and the attitude of some of today's road users. I think Joyce deserves a Community Pride award."

Last year, Joyce was one of seven lollipop ladies who were honoured by City of York Council in recognition of their long-running devotion to helping children across the road.

Joyce was presented with long-service award by the Lord Mayor of York, Councillor Irene Waudby, who said Joyce's unstinting dedication and loyalty to the job was a "real achievement".

Joyce, 61, says she enjoys her job. "It's fitted in with my children because they all went to Fishergate and I fully intended to do something else when they left, but I never have," she said.

If you think you know a Public Sector Hero then we would love to here from you. To nominate someone, simply fill in the coupon. Send in a non-returnable picture of your nominee if you can, along with a supporting statement setting out why your nominee deserves an award. Send nominations to Community Pride Awards, Paula Homer, The Press, 76-86 Walmgate, York, YO1 9YN. Alternatively, you can email us at editor@thepress.co.uk.