Jobs

Shirley Field – school crossing patrol at Stanstead Abbotts

Helping schoolchildren cross the road safely in Stanstead Abbotts has made Shirley Field one of the most familiar faces in the village.

Three years ago, when St Andrew’s Primary School was without a school crossing patrol and appealed for someone to take on the job Shirley, whose daughter was a pupil, volunteered. “I did it for the children,” she said. “It can be a very busy road.”

Her daughter has now moved on to secondary school but Shirley is still very much part of the scene at St Andrew’s, turning out mornings and afternoons, whatever the weather, to see pupils across the road.

“It can be scary sometimes,” she said. “The road gets very busy in the mornings and some drivers are very impatient. You also have to watch out for the children, especially if they’re on their own, or they’re dashing out of school to go to the sweet shop or meet their friends.

“Most drivers slow down near the school and stop when I signal and, because they’re on the road and I’m here at the same times every day, they recognise me and give me a wave. And, of course I know all the children and lots of the parents.

“We’ve lived in Stanstead Abbots for five years now and, before I started the job I didn’t know many people. Now I know lots.”

Shirley’s job also puts her in contact with older residents and she often sees them across the road. “One lady was worried about a hole in the pavement so I reported it and it was repaired within a week. She was really pleased.

“It’s always good when something like that happens but what I like best about this job is that it helps children and that’s the most important thing of all.”