Actress Katherine Kelly to be recognised with a Wakefield Star

Actress Katherine Kelly is being recognised for her achievements as one of three nominees to be awarded a Wakefield Star.
Katherine Kelly is best known for her TV roles as Becky McDonald in Coronation Street and Lady Mae Loxley in Mr Selfridge.Katherine Kelly is best known for her TV roles as Becky McDonald in Coronation Street and Lady Mae Loxley in Mr Selfridge.
Katherine Kelly is best known for her TV roles as Becky McDonald in Coronation Street and Lady Mae Loxley in Mr Selfridge.

The popular actress is best known for her TV roles as Becky McDonald in ITV soap Coronation Street and Lady Mae Loxley in the drama series Mr Selfridge.

Wakefield Stars is a pavement stars scheme developed by Wakefield Council, and based in Wakefield City Centre, where members of the public nominate people for an award.

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Katherine, who grew up in both Barnsley and Wakefield and attended Wakefield Girls’ High School, said: “I have many happy memories of my childhood in Wakefield. I loved my school years and the fun I had in our City.

“What a surprise and honour it is to receive this award. I am humbled indeed and it is with deep gratitude that I thank everyone who was involved in nominating and awarding me with this Star.”

The other recipients are both pioneers who made a mark on the world in the early part of the 20th century.

Anne O’Hare McCormick, who was born in Wakefield in 1880, became a successful foreign correspondent for the New York Times. She was one of the first women to win a Pulitzer Prize in a major category.

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Also recognised is golf course designer Dr Alister MacKenzie who attended Queen Elizabeth Grammar School, Wakefield. After serving as a medic in the Boer War he became aware of the principles of camouflage and applied this knowledge to golf course design. His designs include Augusta National Golf Club in the USA, Moortown Golf Club in England, Lahinch Golf Club in Ireland, and St. Charles Country Club in Canada.

The Wakefield Star scheme acknowledges the contributions of current or past residents and businesses who have a nationally recognised, outstanding achievement.

This includes achievements in sport or culture, people who support their local community nationally or someone who is nationally recognised as a leader in their profession or industry.

Fifteen stars in the form of pavement plaques have been installed so far, leading from The Bull Ring, down Westmoreland Street, Kirkgate and onto the end of the footbridge at The Hepworth.

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The Wakefield Stars Board is made up of representatives from across the public, private and community sector who decide which nominees will be awarded a star.

Coun Les Shaw, Cabinet Member for Culture Leisure and Sport at Wakefield Council said: “I’m proud that we’re recognising people who have made such an impact both locally, nationally and internationally and are helping to raise the district’s profile.”

Chairman of the board, Kevin Trickett said: “Wakefield Stars celebrates people with a connection to the area, who have a nationally recognised, outstanding achievement.

“I am very pleased that Katherine’s work, which is enjoyed by millions of people, and the contributions of Anne O’Hare McCormick and Dr McKenzie – both pioneers in their fields, are being acknowledged in this way.”

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Previous winners include the late historian Kate Taylor, Bill Nelson, The Cribs, Jane McDonald, Neil Fox, Sir Martin Frobisher, Charles Waterton, John Godber, Henry Moore, David Topliss, Barbara Hepworth, John Harrison, Barry Hoban, Stan Barstow and Noel Gay.

The scheme isn’t taking any new nominations at this time.

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