THE funeral procession of the man who fought to save Bradford’s former Odeon building from demolition passed the city centre building that was so important to him during his life.
Norman Littlewood, who was chairman of the Bradford Odeon Rescue Group (BORG) when the campaign was at its height, died aged 95 last month in a Bradford care home.
The funeral took place on Tuesday, November 28, and the hearse was driven past several important locations, including the former Odeon cinema as well as the Harold Club in Low Moor.
Lee Craven, director of Bradford Live, and Gareth Wooler, the director of the construction firm currently transforming the building into a concert venue, honoured a personal request from Mr Littlewood’s widow Julie for the former cinema to play some part in her husband’s send-off.
As Mr Littlewood's working life had been in construction, a line of Wooler's workmen stood outside the building with bowed heads to pay their respects.
Several red and black balloons were also released into the sky from the roof as the procession passed en route to the funeral in Wibsey.
Mr Craven paid his own tribute, saying: "When the former Odeon’s future looked grim, Norman refused to accept the ‘inevitability’ of its demolition.
“With all the odds against him, he led a small band of determined people to fight for the building’s survival.
“In this he succeeded: demolition was shelved, allowing us, Bradford Live, the time and opportunity to find a viable future.
“While it is sad that Norman didn’t live long enough to see his beloved building fully renewed and restored, he died knowing it was safe, and I’m sure that gave him great comfort."
Mark Nicholson, a close friend of Mr Littlewood and a former member of BORG, said he shared the same regret that Norman will never get to see the grand opening of Bradford Live.
He added: "I visited Norman at the care home several times every week, and I regularly showed him photos of the progressing interior works right up until the end. He was always delighted by what he saw.
“To borrow a line from Norman's favourite Frank Sinatra song, he had lived a life that was full. He had enjoyed so many experiences with his wife Julie, who he was completely devoted to.
“Together they rode Concorde, travelled on The Orient Express and they even went paragliding! Norman Littlewood was the greatest man I have ever known. He was my best mate and my hero. I will miss him terribly!"
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