It has long been a beacon of festive joy
The Cargill Santa, which has long been a beacon of festive joy in East Hull, has a new home in a prominent position. The famous light installation once stood proudly atop the Isis mill.
In 2022, Cargill announced the site was closing down, putting the future of Santa into jeopardy. The following year, Santa moved to Croda, but he was not visible from the road.
Speaking at the time, Michelle, the daughter of Mike Covell – the man who installed Cargill Santa on the roof of the Isis mill every year – said she was “devastated”. But Michelle is now overjoyed to share Santa now has a new home at B&A Scaffolding in Cleveland Street where he is in full view and back to spreading Christmas cheer.
Michelle, who has campaigned for two years for Santa to be put back fully on display, said she “thought it was a wind up at first” when she received a call from Andy Butterworth at Cargill’s asking where she would like Santa to be relocated.
She added: “It’s lovely to have him back, it’s nice to see the tradition being continued, it’s good for the children and families of the city. Our families are proud it’s back; my dad would have been especially after putting him up and down for so many years at Cargill’s.
“Myself and brother Mike Covell would like to thank Gary at B&A scaffolding for taking him to his new home and Andy Butterworth at Cargills for letting him go to a new location. Everyone is happy and cant thank them enough, we hope it will continue in many generations to come.”
Mike Covell, the son of Mick and a local historian, has written about the origins of Cargill Santa and his father’s role in the beloved annual tradition. He recalled every year his father would “make the trip up the Seed Silo to ensure Father Christmas was up and illuminated for the children in East Hull, often going out in wind, rain and even snow to erect the jolly gift giver”.
He added: “Every year he took us outside as children and showed us Father Christmas, something that we have now passed onto our children. Mick, who actually worked at JPS Industrial Cleaning was contracted to work at Cargill’s and quickly settled in at the plant, earning the nickname ‘the eyes and ears of Cargill’s’.
“He became a firm favourite with the staff and other contractors on Morley Street, and would often be seen singing and whistling while he worked. The erection of the illumination was no mean feat with a trip to the top of the silo taking ages in the small two-man elevator, onto the top floor, before heading up the steps out onto the roof, where the L shaped fittings ensured Father Christmas looked out in the right direction.”
In October 2009, Mick Covell was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer. “Sadly, Christmas 2009 would be my dad’s last Christmas, and in September 2010 dad died from oesophageal cancer,” said Mike.
Mike added: “He wanted the children of Hull to see Father Christmas and took great pride in putting him up on the roof, along with his workmates. The future of Father Christmas from this point on was in doubt, but letters sent to the staff at Cargill’s, including letters from his children and grandchildren, ensured that the company would continue this East Hull tradition that continues to bring a little Christmas spirit to the families in East Hull.
“Cargill’s also paid their final respects to dad after he died, announcing that they would have an annual award ceremony for contractors to award them on their work at the Morley Street Plant. The Mick Covell Health and Safety Award has become an annual event held at the plant during their annual shutdown.
“The sight of Father Christmas on the roof of Cargill’s every year always brings a smile to my face and a lump to my throat. Long may it continue for the children and families of Hull.”