Basingstoke’s best ‘lollipop’ person has been named this week.
Tony Evans, who marshals St Mary’s Church of England Junior School in Old Basing, scooped the title and narrowly missed out on taking top honours in the county. He was nominated by head teacher Kerry Ramsay on behalf of staff and children at the school.
She commented: “Tony always considers everyone’s safety when doing his job. He always has time for a cheery ‘hello’ or wave for everyone – even in the rain.
“He enjoys his job, is a jolly person who is always willing to help others and nothing is too much trouble. One of his other jobs is being the school caretaker which sees him take the role of cleaner to Mr Fixit and maintaining the school grounds. He not only contributes his time for one of our biggest events – the annual school fair, but in addition to this and on a voluntary basis has a very special job at the Christmas craft fayre – shh!”
Tony was one of 12 finalists in the running for Hampshie’s School Crossing Patrol of the Year, a competition organised by the county council.
Cllr Mel Kendal, presenting the award, said: “Children’s safety is a huge responsibility and we are grateful that we have such a dedicated army of school crossing patrols making sure they can cross the road safely at the beginning and end of each day. These people are often the unsung heroes of our community and this competition is one way of demonstrating the admiration we all have for them.”
