School crossing patroller Rachel still going strong after 30 years on the road
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Rachel Bryce (68) took on her school crossing patroller role on Waterside Road, Kirkintilloch, on November 14, 1983.
She explained: “My kids were eight and 14 and I wasn’t working.
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Hide Ad“The lollipop lady sometimes didn’t turn up and, as I lived next to the crossing, I would go out and help the children across.
“When the position came up my husband Andrew, who worked at Kirkintilloch Police Station, said I should just go for it.
“I never thought I’d be here four years later, never mind 30 years.”
Over the decades Rachel has become a massive part of the school communities of Gartconner and St Agatha’s primaries.
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Hide AdAlong the way she’s won a number of awards, including the ‘Golden Lollipop’ for best crossing patroller and the East Dunbartonshire Provost’s Award.
She’s even mixed with royalty - having been invited to the Queen’s Garden Party twice.
And Rachel, who has two children and five granchildren, has vowed to carry on for years to come.
She said: “I love doing it. The children are so good and well behaved.
“We’re always sharing jokes and funny stories.
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Hide Ad“To me, if you treat kids with respect then they give you respect back.”
The long-serving crossing patroller added: “I really love the boys and girls - they’re all like my grandchildren.”
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