Chester families honour crossing patrol after 28 years

Contents

Oldfield pupils form a guard of honour
Families thank a familiar face in Great Boughton
Why crossing patrols still matter on school roads
Council praises 28 years of service

By Beehiveweb.co.uk Newsroom

Published: 2026

Pat Markert’s daily walk to the school crossing outside Oldfield Primary School has become part of the rhythm of the morning in Great Boughton.

For 28 years, the School Crossing Patrol Officer has helped children and families cross the road safely on the school run. This week, pupils, staff, parents and grandparents paused that familiar routine to thank her for the care and reliability she has brought to generations of local families.

Oldfield pupils form a guard of honour

The school community marked Pat Markert’s long service by forming a guard of honour in the playground. Pupils and staff lined the route and applauded as she made her way towards her usual crossing point.

At the school gate, parents and grandparents were also waiting to greet her. The tribute was a public thank-you for a job that is often noticed most in small, repeated moments: a safe pause in traffic, a familiar face at the kerb and a reassuring presence at the start and end of the school day.

Children and staff presented handmade thank-you cards, while Pat’s family gave her flowers to mark the milestone.

Families thank a familiar face in Great Boughton

Parents described the reassurance Pat has provided over many school mornings outside Oldfield Primary School. For families walking with young children, a dependable crossing patrol can shape whether the school run feels calm, safe and manageable.

The tribute also reflected how long-serving school staff and support workers become woven into local life. Many children who once crossed with Pat’s help are now adults, while newer families in Great Boughton know her as the person helping pupils reach the school gates safely each day.

Cheshire West and Chester Council said the celebration recognised years of commitment, care and reliability, delivered with a smile.

Why crossing patrols still matter on school roads

School crossing patrol officers remain a practical part of road safety around primary schools, especially where children need to cross busy routes during peak traffic times.

Their work also supports active travel, giving families more confidence to walk to school rather than rely on short car journeys. At places such as Oldfield Primary School, that role is not only about managing a crossing; it helps shape the daily habits of a school community.

The council’s transport and highways team said patrols play a vital role in keeping children safe and supporting active travel on the school run.

Council praises 28 years of service

Rose McArthur, Cheshire West and Chester Council’s Director of Transport and Highways, said School Crossing Patrol Officers help children walk to school safely, including when they need to cross busy roads.

“We are incredibly grateful to Pat and all our patrols for the invaluable work they carry out every day,” she said.

McArthur congratulated Pat on the milestone and said: “Here’s to many more years of service.”

Source: Cheshire West and Chester Council