Long-serving lollypop lady calls it a day

12:28pm Tuesday 13th March 2001

LEWISHAM'S oldest serving lollypop lady has hung up her stick and weather-proof coat at the age of 77, after more than three decades in the job.

Rebie Chapman spent 31 years seeing thousands of schoolchildren safely across the road outside Baring Primary, in Lee.

Since 1969, she has watched some of her first charges become parents and young grandparents.

Mrs Chapman said: “It's been wonderful, I have enjoyed every minute even the rain and the snow.”

The Summerfield Street grandmother has worked with four headteachers and has long been a familiar face in the school's life.

She started out earning 72p an hour and had an 11p laundry allowance.

Initially, she fell under the control of the Metropolitan Police until later, when control was switched to Lewisham Council.

In 1983, Mrs Chapman met and shook hands with Diana, Princess of Wales, when she visited the school to mark its centenary.

She was given a rousing farewell by the staff and 230 pupils at Baring Primary, who organised a collection and send-off assembly.

“I will miss the children, but will keep in touch with the school,” she said.

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