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Jolly Holly
Piers Croke of Gisela Graham London traces the history of an age-old icon of celebration.
Obituary - Burt Wood
12th September 1928- 3rd June 2021
I am sad to report the passing of Burt Wood, who for many years represented Puleo Christmas Trees. He had a variety of Sales jobs, becoming a salesman for The Cosmic Crayon Company (Crayola) and was at one time, a partner in a Toy and Fancy Goods Cash and Carry in Manchester.
His involvement with toys led him into the world of Christmas and he became a UK agent for Krebs the German glass Christmas decoration company, then for Puleo Asia Ltd, He worked hard to build his customer base for these companies and was well known and respected in the trade. He travelled to various countries for Christmas trade fairs, but the prestigious Harrogate Fair was his favourite and when he officially retired, they presented him with an original painting of the Pump Room in Harrogate in recognition of his support over the many years he exhibited there.
Burt will be remembered with great affection and in addition to our many conversations over the years at Harrogate related to the Christmas decoration market, football was also a regular subject. Burt was an ardent Burnley supporter and I remember well our chats, particularly when the club was promoted to the Premier league.
It is with great sadness that we have to announce the passing of John Hughes on the 29th June.
John was known by many in the Christmas industry as General Manager of Christmas Crafts before founding The Paragon Collection with Alison Lloyd and her father Jim Neill. A keen golfer, John started the Christmas Trades golf day in the nineties and on several occasions had to put up with me across the 18 holes.
As many people will know, John retired early due to ill health and was battling his illness for many years. Refusing to let this stop him he set up ‘Shark Attack’ a head and neck cancer charity which raised tens of thousands of pounds through its golf days and charity dinners which his many friends in the industry actively supported.
John had a keen sense of humour and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
