Bye bye, my boy lollipop (From Free Press Series)

Bye bye, my boy lollipop

SCHOOL CHILDREN from Croesyceiliog bid a fond farewell to their lollipop man on Friday, as he began a well-deserved retirement.

Mr Gale said: "I am a bit emotional at the moment, but I've had 15 years in a wonderful job and I've made many new friends."

Seventy six-year-old Bill Gale has patrolled the crossings of Cwmbran for 15 years, ever since reluctantly taking early retirement from the town's Girling's factory in 1989.

He began working in four different schools in the area as a relief patroller, covering holidays and sickness.

But Mr Gale soon became a permanent fixture at The Highway, Croesyceiliog waving children safely on their way to school - and enjoying every minute of it.

"I still see a lot of the older pupils who have moved on now, one girl came back from University and came to see me. As cars, lorries and buses go by and toot their horns I always wave at them and give them a smile what ever the weather," said Mr Gale.

Friday was an emotional day for the town's longest serving lollipop man, but one filled with praise for a "fantastic character who has done a brilliant job over the years."

Mr Gale was surprised by the attention he received as even HTV Wales' Sian Lloyd came to wish him luck in his retirement.

Mr Gale said: "The children have been great and I've had quite a few presents off them, I even had some kisses, Sian Lloyd gave me a peck on the cheek!"

Celebrating 54 years of marriage to wife Margaret, Mr Gale is sure she will be glad to have him home.

With four daughters and eight grandchildren Mr Gale is sure to be kept busy.

He said: "Even though for the first few months I will miss working I am going to have my early retirement now."