Hamilton lollipop lady retires after 20 years’ service

Mar 4 2010 by Chris Clements, Hamilton Advertiser

PUPILS of a Hamilton primary school have bid a fond farewell to their popular lollipop lady after 20 years’ service.

Janet Strang, who turned 60 on Monday, helped Townhill Primary schoolchildren cross the road for the final time last Friday, February 26, and will now settle into retirement.

Janet, of Hillhead Terrace, had worked outside the school as a lollipop lady since 1990 and now looks forward to volunteer work with the Salvation Army.

She explained that her decision to take up the job 20 years ago came about as the position offered her a chance to work while her four children were at school.

The grandmother explained: “When my kids started school, I just thought it would be a good idea to get me out the house.

“I went to the police station to ask about it, and they started me there and then.

“For me, it was a perfect job, especially when I have four kids to look after.

“When they’re on holiday from school, I was on holiday, so we could spend it together.

“I will very much miss my job. I loved every single minute of it. It really didn’t feel like work at all.”

Janet told the Advertiser that she will now focus on her work as a soldier in the Salvation Army.

Janet, who was born and bred in Hamilton, attended Glenlee Primary, before moving on to Udston Primary.

Later, she attended Earnock High.

Janet’s working life started with bakery firm Lightbody, then the carpet factory in Bunrnbank.

She then became a cleaner at Udston Primary before her move to becoming the lollipop lady at Townhill Primary.

Brother James Strang said: “All her life she has been a good, hardworking and reliable person.

“She is well known to hundreds of people around the Hamilton area, and it would be nice for her to be in the newspaper.”

Janet thanked everyone who was involved in her send-off at the school last week. “I had a fabulous day,” she added. “One of the most wonderful days I’ve ever had, in fact.

“I didn’t want to say cheerio, as I will miss all the kids.

“Twenty years is such a long time.”