SPECIAL loved ones have been celebrated in one of the civic calendar’s most poignant ceremonies.
The tradition sees hundreds of Bradfordians hang gold stars in memory of family or friends on City Hall’s Christmas tree every year.
This year’s Christmas Stars Appeal saw the Lord Mayor, Councillor Martin Love, dedicate his star to all those we have lost since the pandemic started in 2020.
Cllr Love said: “My star is dedicated to everyone we have lost from Covid.
“It is important we don’t forget those we have lost. It is something that is still with us.”
The Fairfax Singers sang festive carols as people paid tribute to lost loved ones and shared conversations over tea and mince pies.
Among those in the banqueting suite were Patricia and Carly Meadowcroft from Wibsey.
The mother and daughter duo placed a star for the late James ‘Jim’ Meadowcroft on the tree.
A much-loved husband to Patricia and father to Carly, James died after a three-week battle with Covid-19 two years ago.
Speaking about the event, Patricia said: “It was just special really."
“It was a special moment. We just wanted to come down and celebrate his life.”
Mental health support worker Jamie Louise said the Christmas Stars Appeal has become a tradition for her family.
She paid tribute to her three-year-old son Justin Jack Bowman who tragically died in 2021. The star was placed at the bottom of the tree around the height of her beloved son.
“It was only a year since he passed away,” Jamie said.
“He passed away suddenly in his sleep. It’s been a lot for the family to deal with especially this time of year.
“I’m now training to be a bereavement counsellor to help other parents like myself.”
The family has also dedicated a star to Jamie’s grandfather for 11 years.
Bethany, five, joined her parents for their ninth annual star tribute to their daughter, Lillie Grace.
Mum Nicki Hodges-Rhodes said: “Now Bethany can join us it’s just part of our Christmas. It was the first thing we did to remember her by, to do in her memory.”
Peter Clay was joined by his son to pay tribute to much-loved mum and wife, Carol.
“It’s almost the start of Christmas,” Peter said.
“It gives everyone a lift.”
His son added: “Christmas was my mum’s favourite time of year. It’s still mine although it’s different.”
Here is the list of dedications in this year's Christmas Star Appeal
A
Abbott, Wilf
B
Baby Bowman
Baby, Gemma
Baby, Justin
Barron, Bernard
Bates, Antony
Bates, Elaine (Nee Heath)
Bedford, Steve
Bell, Private Martin G.M.
Britton, Terry
C
Carter, Frank
Carter, Joan
Chadney, Keith Michael
Clay, Carol
Conlon, David
Crolla, Philip
D
Davis, Rosie
Devlin, Arthur
Dowling, Nick
E
Eccles, Gladys
Eccles, Harry
Edgley, Annie
Edgley, Aruthur
Elsden, Arnold
Elsden, Rina
F
Fawcett, Freddie
Fawcett, Noah
Firth, Lee
Fortune, Jack
Fowler, Jack
Fowler, Kathleen
G
Gatenby, Marie
Gleeson, Ann
Gleeson, Michael
Greenwood, Hilda
Greenwood, Lynne
Greenwood, Sue
Ghulam, Haider
H
Harrison, Paul
Hatton, Irvine
Hodges – Rhodes, Lillie Grace
Holmes, Jean
Howcutt, Evelyn
Hutchinson, Penny Emma
K
Kenney, Neville
Kellett, Leah
L
Lydon, Judith
Lydon, Thomas
Lofts, Paul
Love, Margaret
M
Marriott, Lilian
Meadowcroft, James
Mudd, June
Murgatroyed, Stephen
N
N.H.S Staff
P
Parkinson, Pauline
Partridge, Derek
Partridge, Jackie
Prior, Pat
R
Rhodes, Peter
S
Shackleton, Kathleen
Shackleton, Philip
Smith, Lily Angel
Smith, Peter Craig
Soothill, Derrick
Soothill, Pat
Speak, Denis
Stansfield, Clare
Surbuts, Dolly
Surbuts, Harry
Surbuts, Keith
T
Tempest, David
W
Waddington, Paul
Wade, May
Wade, Roy
Walker, Freddie
Walker, Patrick
Walker, Terry
Walker, Simeon, Terry
Wassell, Derek
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