Someone we all see every school day as we come in and out of Brockenhurst on is the primary school “lollipop” man…of course, nowadays we should say the School Crossing Patrol! Local resident John O’Malley
Someone we all see every school day as we come in and out of Brockenhurst on is the primary school “lollipop” man…of course, nowadays we should say the School Crossing Patrol! Local resident John O’Malley has been safely seeing everyone across the road at Culverley Green for two years and loves his role.
When the job came up, he decided to apply as he was there every day dropping off and picking up daughter Lyra anyway. Initially she was so proud but is a little more self-conscious as she gets older – she is about to go into year 5, so hopefully John will be ensuring she and all the other pupils get to school safely for at least another two years. His predecessor also stayed as long as he had children in the school.
“It’s a lovely job and seeing all the children growing up and so happy going into school is great,” he told me. Of course, John’s responsibilities have an extra unusual dimension here in Brockenhurst as he works around the free-roaming ponies, donkeys, and cattle. The black cows tend to get in the way most often.
Just keeping out of the livestock’s way is the best approach and when I asked which are most trouble, John said “impatient drivers.” John says that everyone can help by being patient and that his priority is not only to keep everyone safe, but to keep traffic flowing and not let too long a queue build up. Sway Road gets busy at school times, and it is vital to ensure any emergency vehicles can get through if needed. He also tries to help cyclists on their way as they cross over to the gravel routeway across the green.
School crossing patrol staff have legal powers and ignoring them can involve penalty points and a fine. Once John steps into the road and displays the STOP sign drivers must stop –under the 1984 Road Traffic Act, motorists should not proceed until the patrol person is back on the pavement.
Standing with John as he started his work on a sunny afternoon, I could quickly see how attentive he needs to be and why he and his colleagues get regular checks for observation and eyesight! Training in road safety, managing incidents and reporting any hazards is provided. The uniform is essential to maximise visibility. especially at such as busy place and when the weather is poor. I could also see how his friendly manner and calm approach make him such a valued member of the village community.
You may also have met John at the cricket club, where he coaches the under 9s youth team.