Much-loved lollipop lady retires after 33 years
LDRSA much-loved lollipop lady was given an emotional send-off from youngsters after she manned her last patrol.
Karen Jones, 66, retired from her role at Maundene Primary School in Walderslade after 33 years of service.
Pupils, parents and staff gathered on Monday 20 July to celebrate Jones's contribution to the school, singing a special version of Disney's Frozen hit 'Let It Go' for her.
Jones told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that it was an "emotional" way to end her time at the school.
"I am feeling emotional because I wasn't expecting anything like this," said Jones.
"I started when my boys were here and I just stayed. I didn't think I'd be doing it for 32 years, it has gone by so fast.
"It's been a joy and a pleasure to work here and be with everybody."
Jones joined the team at Maundene in 1993 when her two sons were at the school.
She said it has been a particular joy to see children come through the school and return years later as parents, including Year 3 teacher Shauney Pomphrey who remembers Jones helping her cross the road aged three.
Headteacher Joanne Capes said: "She's a key figure in the community. She's so well-known and she's definitely going to be missed.
"Karen is the starting point for a child's day and she builds a relationship with all our pupils, making sure they're happy and safe."
A full-school assembly was held to pay tribute to Jones after more than 6,000 days of service.
When her departure was announced on social media, generations of pupils shared their memories of her.
Catherine Bodin, a pupil from 1995-2002, said: "Mrs Jones is such a core memory of my school years! She was always there without fail, and always so kind and friendly to all of us."
Current pupil Isla, 11, said: "She's not just the lollipop lady. She's also a caring dinner lady. She makes sure that everyone else is okay. And she really puts care into our school."
Jones said her retirement plans were to take one day at a time.
