We would like to thank a dedicated, longstanding employee from Gillingham who has helped thousands of children get to school safely.
Jenny Lewing, who has worked as a school crossing patrol in Medway since 1981, is retiring this week after four decades of dedicated road safety work.
School crossing patrols have a key role in the community and a duty to keep residents safe on Medway’s roads. Jenny stepped out into Medway’s roads to ensure pupils were able to cross safely.
Jenny first started school crossing patrol at English Martyrs’ R.C Primary School in Rochester in 1981 and has now retired from Barnsole Primary School in Gillingham.
The 72-year-old said she is “excited to see what happens” in retirement.
She said: “I will miss my job and I would recommend becoming school crossing patrol to others. Getting to know the children and local residents was the highlight of my job.”
Jenny also advised residents to be careful and aware on the road, as, in her experience, people tend to be impatient.
Key role in the school community
Cllr Phil Filmer, Medway Council’s Portfolio Holder for Frontline Services, said: “On behalf of the children, parents and carers of Barnsole Primary School, I would like to thank Jenny for her 40 years of service. Jenny has played a key role in the school community helping children and other pedestrians to cross the road safely, when traveling to and from school. The work of Jenny, and all our School Crossing Patrols, is highly valued and supports our aspiration to become a Child-Friendly City. Jenny has become a very valued member of the school community, serving several generations over the years. I would like to wish Jenny a very happy and restful retirement after her dedicated work helping to keep the community stay safe.
Thanks and gratitude
Tracey Bell, Barnsole Primary School Headteacher, said: “We want to express thanks and gratitude to Jenny from the parents, the community, the staff, and of course the children at Barnsole Primary School. For us, its not only about the safety and crossing the road, it’s the character that Jenny brings to Barnsole, it’s the smiles in the morning, it’s the regularity that we see her coming in with those big smiles, whether its raining or snowing, hot or cold. We want to say a massive thank you to her, as an individual, for keeping the children safe.”
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