A COUNTY-WIDE shortage of lollipop people in June 1974 prompted an appeal for volunteers.
The worries of parents with children who had to cross the busy road to St Christopher's and Temple Cowley schools were heightened when Albert Diamond, one of Oxford's longest-serving lollipop men died with no-one to replace him.
A Mrs Margaret Lee of Horspath Road said: "I have been worrying myself silly about my daughter crossing the road when I have not been able to go to collect her.
"Since Mr Diamond died one or two mothers including myself have helped the children over but we cannot do it every day."
Fortunately, as Mrs Lee was pleading for help, Oxfordshire County Council was making arrangements with a pensioner ready for him to take over the crossing that week.
The council confirmed there were still 30 vacancies for lollipop people in Oxfordshire.
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