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Pride: Kitty is a traffic stopping star
THIS week's Pride In Peterborough front page has been presented to a kind-hearted lollipop lady whose work goes above and beyond the call of duty.
THIS week's Pride In Peterborough front page has been presented to a kind-hearted lollipop lady whose work goes above and beyond the call of duty.Kitty Drury (78) has been honoured for helping more than a million Peterborough school children cross the road safely during 44 years doing the job.
In that time she has become a firm friend to youngsters and their parents - sharing a smile, listening to their problems and even buying prams and clothes for hard-pressed families.
And her community spirit doesn't end there. She has never sat down to a full Christmas dinner with her family because she is out on her bike delivering meals to elderly and needy residents she has met on her patrols, including in Lincoln Road.
To mark her dedication, a certificate, cake and a special lollipop stick were presented to Kitty at a civic reception at Peterborough Town Hall hosted by the mayor Cllr Irene Walsh.
The crossing patroller was thrilled when pupils from Queen's Drive Infant School popped in to thank her.
Mrs Drury, of Bede Place, Peterborough, has been doing the job for more than four decades with just 12 days off and has no intention of giving up yet.
The incredible pensioner, who has been unwell recently, hopes to be back stopping traffic in Queen's Drive West as soon as she is feeling better.
She said: "It's a really worthwhile job. Children who I helped cross the road are now mums and fathers and I'm helping their tots cross. I've been out in snow, hail and rain because I don't want to let them down. I've got a big bond with the children and their families."
Kitty has noticed a raft of changes in her time. When she first started, there were no traffic lights, but stepping out into a road full of cars has never fazed her.
She said: "I've never had any near misses. I can work the road like the back of my hand. I take full control and give them plenty of stopping time."
Daughter Dianna Jenkins (44) said her mother was a one-off. She said: "She's a very determined and headstrong lady. She goes out in all weathers and has always helped the elderly and those in need."
Headteacher at Queen's Drive Infants Elizabeth Deans said: "We owe Kitty a huge debt for her long service to our school and others.
"She is always so reliable and cheerful. It's not just a job to her, it's a vocation."
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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