One of the city’s longest serving crossing patrol officers, Mandy Taylor, is hanging up her lollipop after 43 years of keeping the community safe.
Best known for her upbeat spirit, friendly tone and constant smile, Mandy has been supporting students at The Portsmouth Academy, based on St Marys Road in Fratton. Reminiscing on her long-standing career, she said:
“I have enjoyed welcoming students to school every morning over the years and will miss them each day.
“There have been so many members of staff over the years that have always been kind and welcoming. Their support throughout the years has been lovely. Even though I’m not directly an employee of the school, they have always made me feel part of the community.”
Speaking on her experience, Mandy added:
“To every young person I have helped cross the road every day, I would say try to find something that you enjoy doing and want to do for a long and happy career.”
Speaking of Mandy’s departure, Michelle Smith, Executive Principal at The Portsmouth Academy, said:
“Mandy has served the school community with dedication for 43 and a half years and we wish her all the very best for retirement.
“Come wind, rain or shine, Mandy has been at her post to see our students across St Marys Road safely and I dare say that many of our parents will remember Mandy from their own school days.”
The post will become vacant until Portsmouth City Council is able to recruit a replacement.