Stanstead Abbotts

School crossing patrol.

School Crossing Patrols came into being due to the introduction  of the School Crossing Patrols (SCP) Act 1953, and were instituted on the 1st July 1954, because of the need for the safety of children walking to and from school, especially by a busy road.

Lollipop ladies and gentlemen soon became a common site all over the country.

Hertfordshire has over 150 paid school crossing patrols, although this figure is being reduced due to budgets cuts.

The patrols are controlled from County Hall and many are due to be axed when the current patrol officers retire.

This was to be the case with the patrol in Stanstead Abbotts but it was thankfully decided to continue the post.

Peter Smith was a popular resident of  the village for as long as I can remember. He was a great character who was always ready to assist wherever  a helping hand was required.

I am also pleased to say Pete was a very good friend, not just to me, but to most, if not all of the village.

Peter Smith. Died 2015