Welcome to Road Safety Wales
7/1/10
The continuing high standards achieved by Vale of Glamorgan Council School Crossing Patrols (SCPs) have once again been recognised at their annual awards ceremony held in Barry, which also included, for the first time, the volunteers involved with the child pedestrian training scheme Kerbcraft in Vale Primary Schools.
Everyone, whether acting in a paid or voluntary role, was thanked for their dedication and commitment to Road Safety and commended on their professionalism and enthusiasm in helping ensure that children and adults alike are provided with safe crossing points throughout the Vale and are given the skills to ensure that they remain safe whilst they are out and about on today’s roads.
Rob Thomas, Head of Planning and Transportation, paid tribute to the ‘lollipop’ ladies & gentlemen of the Vale for ‘carrying out their duties with an enviable disposition and a cheery smile’……’with signs held high and brightly coloured coats you are superb representatives of the Council and a welcoming sight to pedestrians….’
He also thanked the Kerbcraft volunteers who have freely given up their time over the past 7 years, put on their yellow jackets and walked with over 3,000 children out and about on the streets outside their schools teaching them how to remain safe.
Several awards were then presented to those School Crossing Patrols and Kerbcraft volunteers, whose efforts were particularly appreciated over the past twelve months:
Llantwit Major, St Athan & Rhws – Val Western – from the Porthkerry Road post near Rhws Primary School after many years outside Holton Primary School, she is set to retire in the New Year after nearly 20 years service.
Barry West (Buttrills, High Street & Romilly areas) – Tony Masters – over 3 years as a patrol, but has already made a big impression on Port Road and especially outside Ysgol Sant Curig which he is temporarily covering.
Barry East (Cadoxton, Colcot & Holton areas) – Sandra Riggott – with 6 years under her belt, she is very popular with the residents on Winston Road and the children attending Colcot Primary School.
Penarth, Sully & Dinas Powys – Michael Campbell-Jones – only 20 months in post on Lavernock Road, but already has great attention to detail in helping the pupils of Evenlode Primary School, amongst others, cross this busy stretch.
Two firsts – the first time that 2 Officers have jointly won the award and the first time that the top award has ever been retained in its’ 23-year history!!
The famous SCP Shield was presented to Alison Richardson, 2008’s Winner and Lynne Hughes, with over 31 years of service, who both patrol outside Eagleswell Primary School in Llantwit Major.
They have made a magnificent contribution to Road Safety both inside and outside the school, and are well-known and well-loved by children, parents and staff alike!! The two ladies have been very innovative and have worked with Eagleswell to recognise, acknowledge and promote the good behaviour of pupils crossing with them and to encourage more to walk to their school by awarding ‘house points’.
(N.B. It is interesting to note that this is the fourth time in five years that the School Crossing Patrol of the Year Award has gone to Llantwit Major. Sheila Allen (St Illtyd) won the title in 2005, Alex Daw (Ham Lane) won it in 2007 & Alison Richardson (Eagleswell) for her first time in 2008. Is there something in the air (or on the roads ?!) down Llantwit-way…???!!)
Johanna Hopkins, a former teacher who has been volunteering since Kerbcraft began 7 years ago. In her ‘spare time’ she enjoys bowls and golf (where she is Lady Captain at Brynhill this year !!) as well as being a governor at Rhws Primary School where she helps with the child pedestrian training.
Johanna Jones, a lady who has also been there since the beginning at Peterston-Super-Ely Primary School, where she has also assisted with the Gardening Club and numerous other projects. She has followed her twin grandchildren right through the school, and despite the fact that they have both moved on to secondary education, she stills lends a helping hand (or two) every week to the child pedestrian training.
After a DVD presentation of Anti-Drink Drive films produced by pupils of Barry Comprehensive and Bryn Hafren Schools, a light-hearted interactive quiz and buffet followed, which was hosted by the Vale of Glamorgan Council Road Safety Team.
If anyone is interested in becoming a School Crossing Patrol Officer, there are currently vacancies in Barry, St Athan & Cowbridge.
The rate of pay is £6.38 per hour with a half pay retainer paid during school holidays. Working hours are up to 2 hours per day/10 hours per week.
For further information please contact Karen Stokes in the Vale of Glamorgan Council Road Safety Unit or ring Contact OneVale on 01446 700111 for an application pack.
If you would like to volunteer to help the Kerbcraft Scheme in local primary schools, please contact Jayne Jenkins on the above number.
Who knows next year – YOU may be part of the Annual Awards Presentation …??!!
25/11/09
A school crossing patroller who has also brightened up a primary school with his murals has been named the best in Wales. Barry Glover also acts as a lunchtime supervisor, helps out on school trips and ran an after school art class at Whitland School in Carmarthenshire.
The 73-year-old was nominated by pupils who also staged a special assembly in his honour to mark his award.They posted handwritten nomination forms for Mr Glover and used artwork and posters to show their support.
Mr Glover said he first began working at the school about 10 years ago as a lunchtime supervisor and helping with odd jobs. Then when the school crossing patrol retired he took on that role as well.
"I really enjoy being down there - it's a great job," he added.
"I like the interaction with the children."
His murals can be found on walls inside around the school and he said he enjoyed sharing his love of art with the pupils.
He will now represent Wales in the UK final of the Kwik Fit Insurance Lollipop Person of the Year awards with a holiday and £3,000 to spend on school equipment up for grabs.
Head Teacher Ann Humphries said: "Barry is a really important part of our school and we're absolutely delighted that he's been chosen."
Rhys John, School Crossing Patrol Supervisor, Carmarthenshire County Council added, "Barrie takes his role very seriously and the safety of the children is paramount. He undertakes his responsibilities diligently and it is very reassuring to all in the school that the children are in safe hands"
29/10/09
A Pembrokeshire school crossing patrol officer has been presented with a major road safety award. Sandra Howells has been patrolling the road outside Holy Name Primary School in Fishguard for 28 years!
At this year's Road Safety Wales Conference in Caernarvon, Sandra was presented with a Chevron-sponsored Road Safety Wales Award in recognition of her long service. The grandmother from Goodwick was nominated for the award by Pembrokeshire County Council's Road Safety Unit and by Holy Name pupils.
As well as helping pupils cross the road, Sandra also promotes her road safety role in the classroom and in the wider community.
Councillor Huw George, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said generations of children attending Holy Name had benefited from Sandra's reassuring presence outside the school.
"Our Lollipop men and women are often taken for granted yet their play a key role in keeping our children safe going to and from school" he said.
"Sandra is regarded as a highly valued member of staff by the school and by the Council. She thoroughly deserves her award."
Caption
Sandra is pictured with Holy Name's Junior Road Safety Officers along with Jeanette John of the Road Safety Unit and Councillor Huw George.
20/01/09
Pontardawe lollipop man George Bateman has been recognised as ‘Top of the Lollipops’ in Wales following Kwik Fit Insurance’s annual search for the UK’s Lollipop Person of the Year.
The Kwik Fit Insurance Lollipop Person of the Year Awards launched recently with the help of TV star Lorraine Kelly. Now in their fifth year, the awards have once again been hailed a huge success with over 15,000 nominations flooding in from primary school pupils, teachers, school councils, parents and members of the community right across the UK.
Despite tough competition, George (84) scooped the regional prize for Wales winning £500 in travel vouchers for himself, not to mention £100 in book vouchers for his school and a specially engraved silver trophy in the shape of a lollipop.
George, who is employed by Neath Port Talbot Road Safety Team has patrolled outside Ysgol Gymraeg in Pontardawe, for 14 years, is delighted to have been recognised in the awards, where many of the pupil entries for him showed great creativity including poems, paintings and drawings endorsing his good work.
George said: “I am amazed at the number and quality of votes made by pupils, parents and teachers alike. Ysgol Gymraeg has put great effort into nominating me and simply for the job that I do everyday. I love the job - it’s wonderful to see the children growing up. I’m thrilled to be recognised as the best patroller in Wales.
“It’s a serious responsibility making sure the children get to school safely and part of my job is to gain the children’s trust and respect. It’s nice to hear that the children think a lot of me.”
Myfanwy Rees, Headteacher at Ysgol Gymraeg, added: “Our pupils put tremendous effort into nominating George for this award so it’s brilliant to see their hard work rewarded in this way.
“Everyone at the school loves George. He lost his wife last year and we feared that he might not come back to work. Of course, we were all delighted when he did. George is a wonderful lollipop man. He does a fantastic job looking after our pupils and is a very important member of our school family.”
Bert Main, Business Development Director of Kwik Fit Insurance, said: "The Lollipop Person of the Year Awards initiative started in 2003 to mark the 50th anniversary of the launch of crossing patrollers. Road safety is at the heart of our business and we’ve built on this initiative year-on-year. It’s great to reward the vital role that our crossing patrollers play in their local communities, ensuring our children can walk and cycle to school in safety.
“Lorraine Kelly launched the awards in September this year and the number of entries made in that short space of time has been absolutely phenomenal. This is the first time we have rolled it out to the rest of the UK and the standard of entries has been exceptional. George is highly regarded by pupils and staff alike and he certainly got our vote too. We’re delighted to announce him as the top lollipop in Wales.”
Schools were invited to make nominations both manually and electronically online. Many schools adopted the initiative as a special project to ensure their patroller was recognised in the competition. Entries ranged from poems, photos, press cuttings, paintings and raps about their favourite lollipop person. Some schools even made online submissions with short films on why their lollipop person is the best.
The initiative is supported by Brake, the UK road safety charity, and is part of an ongoing programme of road safety initiatives from Kwik Fit Insurance. Children’s footwear specialist Buckle My Shoe has also donated prizes for the winning schools.
For further information on Kwik Fit Insurance’s Lollipop Person of the Year Awards 2008, please log onto www.bestlollipop.co.uk.
7/1/09
A popular woman, who has roles outside and inside a Llantwit Major primary school, is stepping out as winner of this year's Vale of Glamorgan Council School Crossing Patrol of the Year award.
One of four area winners last year, Alison Richardson (Eagleswell school) was presented with her award by cabinet member for planning and transportation Cllr Jeffrey James who said: "Alison has made a magnificent contribution during her four years working for the council and promotes the road safety message through her roles as a crossing patrol officer, dinner lady and junior road safety officer co-ordinator. She is well loved by the children, parents and teachers and promotes road safety whenever she can."
It is the third time in four years that the award has gone to Llantwit Major, with previous winners being Sheila Allen (St Illtyd, 2005) and Alex Daw (Ham Lane, 2007).
Area winners were:
Llantwit Major, St Athan and Rhws - Karin Williams, a junior road safety officer champion who is very pro-active with road safety initiatives at Rhws Primary School.
Barry West (Buttrills, High Street and Romilly areas) - Martin Morris who, although in post just under 18 months, is a regular 'fixture' assisting older children at Colcot Road pedestrian lights.
Barry East (Cadoxton, Colcot and Holton areas) - Huw Adams who, after starting with the Vale in 2007, has already made a big impression on children he assists on a very busy road outside Jenner Park Primary School.
Penarth, Sully and Dinas Powys - Joan Griffiths who started work as a school crossing patrol back in 1977 and, after 31 years, is still going strong at Murch Road, Dinas Powys.
After a light-hearted quiz and buffet hosted by the Vale council road safety unit, Cllr James thanked the dedicated 'lollipop' men and women for all their hard work in providing "this important service." Cllr James said: "I am delighted to be able to support an annual event which recognises the continuing high standards achieved by our school crossing patrol officers."
He added: "Because you perform your duties in such a professional manner, it is only when you are not there that the importance of your role and the number of people who rely on you daily is realised.
"Despite the seemingly increasing traffic issues and conflicts on our roads, the hard work of each of you helps ensure that we maintain an excellent safety record in the Vale. It is something of which you should all be very proud, and for which you all deserve lots of praise."
2/10/08
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Pictured with Deputy First Minister Ieuan Wyn Jones and Phil Thompson of Chevron is SCP award winner Denise Cummings and her husband Rob
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Denise Cummings, a School Crossing Patrol at Herbert Thompson Primary School, Ely, Cardiff, has been dedicated to the role for twenty years. She is regarded as a highly valued member of staff by the school and the Cardiff Road Safety Team.
In recognition of her tireless devotion, Denise received the School Crossing Patrol Award at the recent 9th Annual Wales Road Safety Award Ceremony. The Welsh Assembly Government’s Deputy First Minister, Ieuan Wyn Jones, presented the Awards which are supported by Chevron.
The Deputy First Minister said, “It is a pleasure to present these awards and I congratulate all of the award winners on their commitment to improve road safety."
3/6/08
Helping your child cross the road to safety is just one of the essential services School Crossing Patrol Staff provide in Rhondda Cynon Taf.
To celebrate the major contribution they make to road safety throughout the county borough, Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council held its first School Crossing Patrol Awards to recognise individual achievements.
PEOPLE’S PATROL: The Schools Crossing Patrol Award Winners for 2008
Staff were congratulated for long and committed service to their job over many years, while others were thanked for their work above and beyond the call of duty. Some had arranged for cycle courses to be implemented at the schools while others had also helped improve road safety education generally to children.
WELL DONE: Paula Davies from Penpych Primary School receiving her award from Derek Bateman, Chairperson of Rhondda Cynon Taf Crime Reduction Association.
Paula Davies at Penpych Primary School in Blaenrhondda was recognised for her 13 years in the post where she was involved in road safety education and also arranged cycle courses in five local schools Michael Boxer of Comin Infants & Junior School in Trecynon was congratulated for his 24 years in the post.
SAFETY FIRST: Angela Swannack, has spent 24 years atFerndale Infants School
The longest serving patrol in the Rhondda, was thanked for her work over 24 years at Ferndale Infants School and also for her commitment to arrange cycle courses at Darren Park Primary School.
CONGRATULATIONS: Christine Beechey was recognised for 31 years service to Carnetown Primary School in Abercynon. She received her award from Mike Jacklin, Chairperson of Cynon Valley Crime Prevention Association.
MANY THANKS: Ann Holly, the longest-service School Crossing Patrol in the Taff area was thanked for her 32-years unstinting service to Pontyclun Primary School
DEDICATED: Jean Harris was thanked on her retirement following 25 years at Aberdare Town Church in Wales School
The awards were sponsored by Rhondda Cynon Taf Crime Reduction Association and Cynon Valley Crime Prevention Association. Mike Jacklin, Chairperson of Cynon Valley Crime Prevention Association Presented awards to patrol officers in his area and Derek Bateman, Chairperson of Rhondda Cynon Taf Crime Reduction Association presented awards to the Rhondda and Taff Ely officers.
HONOUR: Sylvia John was congratulated on her retirement following 19 years at Carnetown Primary School in Abercynon
The Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport and Customer Care Cllr Andrew Morgan said: “I fully applaud the School Crossing Patrol Award for celebrating the enormous contribution officers make to their individual communities by ensuring the safety of our children.
“School Crossing Patrol Officers have a very important role to play, not only by assisting children to cross the road, but in their commitment to improving road safety awareness generally and for the contribution they make to introducing new schemes such as cycle courses.
“The Council congratulates all those concerned on behalf of all the parents, teachers and of course children themselves for their dedicated service.”
9/10/07
Having served her community for more than 30 years as a School Crossing Patrol, Vera Grey, who helps the pupils of Ysgol Maenofferen, Blaenau Ffestiniog to cross the road safely to school has been awarded the Road Safety Wales School Crossing Patrol Award.
Despite difficulty in some areas to recruit new patrols, many in Gwynedd stay in the role for a number of years. Vera Grey has been dedicated to her post for almost 33 years, absent just 5-and-a-half days in that period.
Vera’s devotion to the job has seen her help generations of children to cross the roads in the Blaenau Ffestiniog over the years, today Vera crosses the grandchildren of the first school children that she helped across the road back in 1974. Indeed one of the school children she helped cross the road was Paula Owen, who is now a Road Safety Officer with Gwynedd Council herself.
Gwynedd Council Chair, Meinir Owen congratulated Vera Grey on her recent achievement:
“Having undertaken this important role for over 30 years, Vera has helped generations of schoolchildren in the Blaenau Ffestiniog area to safely cross the road to school. Many congratulations to her on this wonderful achievement.
“The lollipop men and women of Gwynedd undertake a very important role throughout the county, by ensuring the safety of children as they walk to and from school each day, as well as promoting road safety amongst pupils and motorists.”
Vera is one of 70 School Crossing Patrols currently employed by Gwynedd Council at various locations across the county. She was nominated for the award by Ysgol Maenofferen Headteacher, Merfyn Jones.
“It was a real surprise to win the award – it came right out of the blue. I really enjoy the work, it’s wonderful to see the children every day can and I hope to carry on for as long as I can,” said Vera Grey on receiving the Road Safety Wales School Crossing Patrol Award.
“I started off as cover for someone who was going on a fortnight’s holiday – that was back in December 1974. It’s been a long fortnight but I love doing the job, it’s a real joy,” she added.
Vera Grey was presented with the Road Safety Wales School Crossing Patrol Award at the national conference recently staged at the Celtic Royal Hotel in Caernarfon.
12/2/07
School crossing patrols have been congratulated for their hard work in helping thousands of Swansea schoolchildren cross busy roads.
The men and women, more commonly referred to as 'lollipop' men and women have been recognised for their efforts at a special ceremony organised by Swansea Council's Road Safety Team. During the event a number of patrols were presented with awards for their dedication and hard work.
Frank Quin, who has been patrolling at Oystermouth Primary School for the past eleven years, picked up the 'Patrol of the Year' Award. Mr Quin said, "I've always enjoyed looking after children. I'm overwhelmed with the award. Its come right out of the blue. We play an important role helping young children cross the road safely. This gives me great job satisfaction knowing I'm helping my local community."
Mr Quin regularly receives praise from parents and local ward members for his efforts to help young school children across roads safely. His efforts to help his community have also led to comments from Swansea's highest-ranking police officer Chief Superintendant Mel Jehu. The now retired Mr Jehu congratulated Frank on his work within the community. he said, "Your efforts within the community are valued and go a long way in making Swansea a safer place for all to both live and enjoy."
John Hague Cabinet Member for the Environment in Swansea Council said, "School crossing patrol officers provide an extremely valuable and important role within the community assisting children across roads to and from school.
"These awards are simply to recognise the excellent work they do and to thank them on behalf of all the parents and children in Swansea."
25/1/08
A woman, who uses two working roles with the Vale of Glamorgan Council to promote the road safety message to youngsters, has won the authority's School Crossing Patrol of the Year Award. In her quiet and unassuming way, Alex Daw has helped children cross the busy Ham Lane East outside Llantwit Major Comprehensive School and Llanilltud Fawr Primary School for nearly five years. And she also works as a dinner lady.
"A deserved winner," said Cllr Chris Williams, Vale cabinet member for planning and transportation, who hosted the annual awards ceremony that recognises the continuing high standards achieved by "lollipop ladies and gentlemen."
Thanking the "dedicated members of the service" for their work, Cllr Williams said: "I'm sure we are all aware of the importance and, indeed, the difficulties of their daily duties in ensuring the safety of the thousands of pedestrians crossing roads across the Vale. "Despite enduring the worst of weather at times, and the unpredictable behaviour of motorists, they carry out this role with an enviable professionalism and always a smile."
Several area awards were also presented to officers whose efforts were particularly appreciated over the last 12 months:
• Llantwit Major, St Athan and Rhws - Alison Richardson, a junior road safety officer champion who is very pro-active with road safety initiatives at Eagleswell Primary School, Llantwit.
• Barry West (Buttrills, High Street and Romilly areas) - Melanie Richardson who also gives her free time to visit St Helen’s Junior School on Tynewydd Roa. And is always requesting goodies for new initiatives.
• Barry East (Cadoxton, Colcot and Holton areas) - Tony Masters is the only Vale officer based in a 40mph area (Port Road West) but always has a smile.
• Penarth, Sully and Dinas Powys - Margaret Regan, now handling an upgraded crossing point outside Victoria Primary School, Penarth, and very much part of the school community.
There was also a special award for Pam Griffiths, of High Street Primary School and Ysgol Sant Baruc in Barry, who is retiring after nearly 30 years' service. Pam joined service under the former South Glamorgan Council in 1978 and has continued under the auspices of the Vale. A valued member of the school community and road safety team, Pam has finally decided to retire, preferring now to spend her time in sunnier climes or cruising.
