Street marker reminder of Bradford City fire

It will be unveiled at 2pm on Tuesday, May 11, by the Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor John Godward, and Thomas Hunsteger-Petermann, the Oberbür-germeister of Hamm, Bradford’s twin city in Germany.

The 2ft high stone will have a granite plaque bearing the crest of the two cities and Bradford City’s club crest. The date of the fire, May 11, 1985, in which 56 people died and more than 190 were injured, will also be on the plaque. Dave Pendleton, curator of the football team’s club museum at Valley Parade, said: “When I was living in Little Germany I noticed a small scruffy sign at the bottom of Hamm Strasse telling the world that the road was named in recognition of the support the people of Hamm gave to Bradford in the wake of the fire.

“They supplied the memorial in the city centre. The naming of Hamm Strasse was our way of thanking them.”

Bob Parker, Bradford Council’s city centre manager, said: “The stone will be finished this week and should be ready to install in readiness for a civic unveiling on May 11.

“Marshalls of Halifax donated the stone. Design 69, a West Bowling company, is engraving the plaque. The stone will be in a prominent position and a reminder for fans walking to Valley Parade from the city centre.”

The Lord Mayor is also appealing for the immediate relatives of those who died in the tragedy to get in touch.

A remembrance service takes place at the memorial in Centenary Square at 11am on May 11, with the Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu. After the service, the Lord Mayor has invited the relatives of the 56 people who died to join him in City Hall.

Coun Godward said: “We only have the contact details for a few of the relatives who were so tragically affected by this disaster and we want to invite as many of the relatives as we can to remember their loved ones.’’ Relatives who would like to attend should call (01274) 432276.