One parent said Joan ‘brightened our day with her smile and friendly nature’
A “well-loved” and “amazing” lollipop lady has hung up her hi-vis vest after an impressive 28-year stint in Hull. Joan Marriott, now 88, was based on Amythest Road near Mountbatten Primary School.
She began working for Hull City Council in 1997 and embraced the role with pride and an “unwavering commitment to the children she served”. For well over two decades, come rain or shine, she safeguarded numerous pupils travelling to and from the school, establishing herself as a valued and beloved figure within the local area.
Unfortunately, following a broken knee, Joan has been forced to retire from her school patrol responsibilities – a choice she has taken with a heavy heart.
Councillor Mark Ieronimo, portfolio holder for transport and infrastructure at Hull City 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.”
To mark Joan’s remarkable 28 years of dedication, a special ceremony took place at Mountbatten Primary School on Friday, December 12, where she received her lollipop stick and a framed collection of all the badges she had gathered throughout her career.
During the presentation, Joan was hailed as 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.”
Joan’s commitment has gone well beyond her council duties too. Throughout the years, she has fostered 15 babies, ranging from two days to six weeks old, adopting two of them and providing a nurturing home.
Her career started in 1953 at Metal Box (formerly Dairycoates), where she remained until 1966. She later worked as a dinner lady at Mountbatten Primary School before rejoining Metal Box in 1979 as a chargehand, becoming the company’s first female forklift driver and breaking new ground.
She stayed until the site’s closure in 1997, as was among the final five staff members.