Ulster Gazette Thursday 20th April
Memorial stone unveiled to honour village doctor
A MEMORAIL stone has been unveiled in Richhill to honour the memory of former resident Dr Douglas Hemmingway. Richhill and District Improvements Committee had the stone placed in the centre of the village in memory of its founding member.
Present Chairman of the Committee Dr Alan Turtle spoke, about its predecessor, one of Richhill’s most significant residents, who died in 1968. Originally from Dublin, Dr Hemmingway came to Richill in the early 1920’s during active service in the First World War.
Becoming totally involved in the activities of the village, he was doctor there for almost 40 years and was a striking figure in his tweed suit, spectacles and gloves. He was a founder member of the Richhhill Branch of The Royal British legion, was its first president and remained in that post until his death.
Deeply involved in the Jubilee and Coronation celebrations in 1935 and 1936, he and other residents set up the Richhill Improvements Committee and was its first and long-time Chairman. The group continues to be very active within the village promoting and improving village life, its appearance and facilities. It was obvious that Douglas Hemmingway was multi-talented, as an artist, some of his waster colour paintings showed him to be one of the finest in the province.
He was also interested in local history, photography, gardening and music, and was Justice of the Peace and a stalwart of his local church. He died childless and had no surviving relatives and the area. His life was best summed up by Canon Cockerill at his funeral service when he described Dr Hemmingway was a “great citizen, physician and friend to all in Richhill.”
Following Dr Turtle’s address at the memorial service, the stone was unveiled by Mr John Lamb, who also recounted his memories of Dr Hemmingway.
The improvements Committee would like to thank the input from Armagh City and District Council, the Housing Executive and Armagh Local Strategic Partnership who provided funding for the project.
|