50 Years of Keeping Children Safe: Jackie Honoured for Lifelong Service

Celebrating a local hero: Jackie marks 50 years of service as a lollipop lady with a heartwarming community tribute

A very special celebration took place at our Woodhead Park development on Monday 14th July, as the community came together to honour Jackie Higginbottom, who is marking an incredible 50 years of service as a beloved lollipop person, helping thousands of children safely cross the road to their school over the last half a century.

In a unique twist on the traditional topping out ceremony, a time capsule was buried in the garden of one of the last completed plots, symbolising the lasting impact Jackie has had on the community and filled with heartfelt drawings and messages from children at Royds Infant School, paying tribute to Jackie’s decades of dedication to keeping generations of children safe.

“Jackie is more than just a lollipop lady; she’s a local legend,” said Cllr Ben Miskell, Chair of the Transport, Regeneration and Climate Policy Committee at Sheffield City Council. “Her warmth, dedication, and cheerful presence have touched the lives of so many families. We’re honoured to celebrate her legacy in a way that will be remembered for generations.”

Chris Kelly, Sales Director at Stonebridge added “At Stonebridge Homes, we believe in building more than homes; we build communities. This event is a perfect example of how people like Jackie bring heart and soul to the places we create. We’re proud to be part of this celebration”.

“Our pupils were thrilled to contribute to the time capsule,” said Head Teacher, Sean Sly “Jackie has been a constant, friendly face for so many of them from both past and present. This is a wonderful way to show our appreciation.”

This event not only marks a construction milestone but also celebrates the spirit of community, continuity, and care that Jackie has embodied for five decades.