Chester school forms guard of honour for long-serving lollipop lady Pat
Parents, pupils and staff all gathered to thank her for decades of dedicated service
By Cheshire Live
Pat Markert has helped generations of children cross safely outside Oldfield Primary School in Great Boughton since the late 1990s.
Pupils and staff at a Chester primary school have honoured a much-loved lollipop lady after 28 years of dedicated service.
Pat Markert has worked as a school crossing patrol officer outside Oldfield Primary School in Great Boughton since the late 1990s.
Over that time, she has helped generations of children cross the road safely on their way to and from school.
To mark the milestone, pupils and staff formed a guard of honour, lining the playground to applaud Pat as she made her way to her crossing point.
Parents and grandparents also gathered at the school gate to thank her for her years of commitment, care and reliability.
The school community said Pat has become a familiar and reassuring presence for families, helping children cross safely in all kinds of weather and always with a smile.
Pupils and staff presented her with handmade thank-you cards, while her family gave her flowers to mark the occasion.
Parents also shared messages of thanks, recognising the peace of mind she has provided to families over nearly three decades.
School crossing patrol officers play an important role in local communities, particularly around busy roads at the start and end of the school day.
Their work helps children walk to school more safely and gives parents confidence during the daily school run.
For many pupils, the person helping them cross the road becomes one of the first friendly faces they see each morning.
Pat’s long service at Oldfield Primary School shows how important that role can become over time.
Rose McArthur, Cheshire West and Chester Council’s Director of Transport and Highways, said school crossing patrol officers play a vital role in keeping children safe and supporting active travel on the school run.
She said the council was “incredibly grateful” to Pat and all patrol officers for the work they carry out every day.
She added that their dedication helps ensure children can walk to school safely, even when crossing busy roads.
Congratulating Pat on the milestone, she said: “Here’s to many more years of service.”