‘Remarkable’ service: Lollipop lady Joan retires after 28 years

‘SHE BRIGHTENED OUR DAY’: Joan Marriott with Councillor Mark Ieronimo

By Simon Bristow, Co-Editor

A school crossing patrol officer has retired after 28 years of service to children at a Hull primary school.

Joan Marriott, 88, joined Hull City Council in 1997 and has helped generations of children go to and from Mountbatten Primary School safely.

But she has now retired from her duties because of a broken knee.

A presentation was held at the school to celebrate her service in which Joan was called a “remarkable” lady, who was “always a reassuring sight”. One parent said: “The kids have grown up with her always being there. She brightened our day, with her smile and friendly nature.”

She was presented with her lollipop stick and a frame of badges she collected over the years. 

Councillor Mark Ieronimo, portfolio holder for transport and infrastructure at the council, said: “Joan was well-loved by everyone. She built amazing relationships with both the children and their parents and always put safety first. 

“I would like to thank Joan for her commitment to the council and road safety. 

“We wish her all the best as she enters her retirement and looks forward to this next chapter of her life.” 

Joan’s service to the community extended beyond her work for the council. She fostered 15 babies aged between two days and six weeks old, two of which she adopted and gave a loving home to. 

Her working life began in 1953 at Metal Box (originally Dairycoats), where she stayed until 1966. She later worked as a dinner lady at the same primary school before returning to Metal Box in 1979 as a chargehand, where she broke barriers as the first female forklift driver at the company. She remained there until the company closed in 1997, being one of the last five employees at the site.