A VILLAGE Christmas tree has become a poignant point of remembrance for members of the community.
Shafton’s tree, put up every year by the parish council, is adorned with tributes to several people who have died recently.
A number are dedicated to 14-year-old Emily Greene, who died by suicide on November 16, 2018.
An inquest into her death, held in September, unravelled the tragic circumstances that led to the Outwood Academy Shafton pupil being found in woodland off Dog Hill by family members.
Her death rocked the community who had, hours before her death, conducted a search when she was reported missing.
There are also tributes to Joe Glew, a 20-year-old man from the village who lost his battle with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in August 2018.
Almost £13,000 was raised for Joe and his family upon his terminal diagnosis.
Parish council chairman Dave North told the Chronicle he’d saved Joe’s family’s decorations for them to be put back on, once the tree was put up again this year.
“Emily’s death shocked everyone, she wasn’t very old at all,” said Dave.
“Joe was an absolute superstar, and it was a sad loss to the community.
“They’re a lovely family. Every year, they’ve put something on the tree.
“It’s a good gesture, and Christmas is a time to remember the people we’ve lost.”
