Beryl Newton will be just days short of her 90th birthday when she retires from her post as school crossing patrol (SCP) at a school in Buckinghamshire.
Beryl is retiring after 15 years as SCP at Chalfont St Giles Infant & Nursery School and Junior School. She originally took the job when her two grandchildren were at the school and is Buckinghamshire County Council’s oldest employee.
Affectionately known as ‘Mrs Smiley’, Beryl knows the children and parents by their first names, and a group of parents whose children have moved on from the school come back once a week to catch up with her.
In 2004 Beryl won the Patroller of the Year award, and she attended a Summer Garden Party at Buckingham Palace in 2007.
Georgina Longley, Buckinghamshire’s SCP supervisor, said: “During her 90 years Beryl has worked in many roles and met many people but always maintains that her role as SCP has given her the most pleasure.
“In the last 15 years Beryl has rarely missed a crossing patrol duty. She is extremely agile and alert and a very proud woman. I feel privileged to know her”.
Not one to sit back and relax, Beryl is planning to volunteer at a local charity shop when she returns from a holiday in Florida.
Everyone at Road Safety GB wishes Beryl a very long and happy retirement.
For more information contact Georgina Longley, Buckinghamshire County Council, on 01494 586639.
My Nan is a SCP in Staffordshire and is 80. She has been a SCP for 20 years. One of our (Telford’s) SCP will be celebrating 40 years as a SCP this September.
Heather
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Well Beryl beats our oldest patrol who was 86 when he retired last year. What a wonderful lady I wish her a very happy retirement.
Melanie McHale – Warrington
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