Molly, the famous Yate celebrity cat who made Tesco her home, has had a street named after her at our Engine Common development. Great Oaks’ Molly Meadows pays tribute to the feline who captured the hearts of Yate and became a cherished symbol of the area.
Molly, a local celebrity
12-year-old Will Gray, a pupil at nearby North Road School, suggested the name.
Molly, a frequent visitor to the Tesco Extra store as well as Yate Shopping Centre, became a local celebrity due to her friendly nature and endearing presence. Her presence bought joy to shoppers and staff alike and her story quickly spread, earning her a fanbase that extended well beyond the town. Shoppers often found her sleeping in the baby seats of trollies. Customers stroked her to take the stress out of shopping.
Fiona, Molly’s owner, set up a Facebook page to keep track of Molly’s antics across Yate. This also reassured fans that she had a home and was well-fed. The public group attracted almost 4,000 followers.
Molly’s mark in Yate’s history
Unfortunately, Molly died in an accident in 2022. Fans left 1,300 comments on the message announcing Molly’s death and tributes appeared in three national papers, as well as on BBC Radio Bristol. Her passing prompted Will to suggest the street name in her honour.
Fiona comments: “Molly was a widely known and much-loved cat who brought tremendous joy to many people in Yate and beyond. The suggestion for a road name by Will was so unexpected and emotional for me and the rest of Molly’s family. The people who choose to live here may never understand the meaning behind the name, but I will, and I will always be thankful for the thoughtfulness of this wonderful young man who suggested it.”
Molly Meadows – Preserving Molly’s memory
Will comments: “I always loved seeing Molly with my family when we went shopping and I felt so sad when I heard the news of her unfortunate passing, this is why I felt I needed to somehow preserve the memory of her for generations to come, so when my mum asked me and my siblings if we had any name ideas for an upcoming street very near my school, I just knew it had to be something to do with Molly, the beloved cat who I will never forget.”
Will continues: “I’m very proud I got to name an actual street which people will live in and spend many years of their lives in. And even more proud it was a name that would sustain such a great memory!”
The Molly Meadows street sign is at the entrance to Great Oaks. Renewable energy powers these 84 3 and 4 bedroom homes. They boast solar panels for electricity generation and air source heat pumps for hot water and heating. Additionally they have electric car charging points and high levels of insulation.
More than a cat at Great Oaks’ Molly Meadows
Chris Parker, Head of Marketing at Newland Homes, comments: “Molly was more than just a cat; she was a symbol of friendship and warmth for Yate residents. It’s a privilege to keep her memory alive at Great Oaks and to celebrate the life of a cat who left a paw print on the hearts of the local community.”
Tailor-made appointments to view are available daily at Great Oaks.
Newland Homes Limited is a property developer registered in England and Wales number 2582221.
Registered office: Brighouse Court, Barnett Way, Barnwood, Gloucester, GL4 3RT.
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