Pamela Pryor watches over hundreds of Melton West Primary School pupils walking past her every morning and afternoon. She tells Sumeyya Ilanbey about life as a lollypop lady.
What’s your connection to Melton?
I moved here in 1971 from Braybrook. I bought a home, raised my family and I’m still here. Melton is my home.
What are some of the biggest changes?
Definitely Woodgrove shopping centre … all the new housing estates like Caroline Springs, Melton Waves Leisure Centre and, of course, our lovely Melton library and learning hub.
What’s your favourite thing about Melton?
Going shopping, going to the movies, swimming. I think Hannah Watts Park is just beautiful now – you can barbecue, picnic, ride your bike safely, play sports, feed the ducks or just go for a nice walk. Navan Park is also great, as is West Lakes … I have lots of favourites.
Where’s your favourite place to hang out?
I do spend a lot of time, and money, at Woodgrove shopping centre and the Melton Country Club.
What would you change if you could?
I can’t think of anything I would change.
How long have you been a school crossing guard with Melton council?
I’ve been a school crossing supervisor at Melton West Primary School for 35 years now and loved every year of it. I also did Coburn Primary School for three years but left back in 1978 to have my third child.
Why did you do decide to work as a school crossing guard?
I wanted to earn some extra money to help make ends meet and be able to stay home with my children when they were younger.
What are some of the challenges of the job?
I guess it would have to be illegal parkers – some parents are so concerned for their own children’s safety that they forget everyone else’s children … it can be quite scary at times.
What’s most satisfying?
All children love their lollipop lady/man, and I love the happiness I see on their little faces when they come to use the crossing. I’m not really a morning person, so for me it’s a great way to start the day. Over the years, I’ve seen children grow, get their licences, go to uni and get married. So now I have some ex-students bringing their children across my crossing … and their parents are now the grandparents.
