Hessle Road says goodbye to Hull 'legend' Flo Hemingway
HUNDREDS of people have paid their respects to one of Hessle Road's best-known characters.
They attended Hull's Northern Cemetery yesterday for the funeral of much-loved barmaid Flo Hemingway.
The funeral car arrived with flowers surrounding the coffin, including a display of "Mam".
Her son David Hemingway, from The Beautiful South, was among those who carried the coffin inside.
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He wiped away tears as Unforgettable by Nat King Cole was played.
Mourners included rugby league legend Johnny Whiteley and many from the club circuit who will never forget Flo's bubbly personality during her years behind the bar.
Many mourners could not get into the chapel and had to pay their respects huddled in the entrance.
The service was conducted by the Reverend Alan Craven, who insisted her life should be celebrated rather than mourned.
He spoke of Flo's infectious personality, describing her as a "legend".
Rev Craven also referred to her famous beehive hairstyle.
The Mice Singers performed during the service and there was a poignant moment when The Beautiful South hit Song For Whoever was played.
Flo, 87, died suddenly at her home after a heart attack on Monday, December 17.
She worked behind the bar at Humber St Andrew's and Rayners for years.
To many in Hessle Road she was like a second mum and was always on hand to provide sound advice.
Flo was born in 1925 in Livingston Terrace, off Walcott Street.
She worked as a barmaid for 40 years, also serving at the likes of the Kingfisher.
She was named Barmaid of the Year in 1972.
Flo also carried out charity work on behalf of the Humber St Andrew's Club, where she spent many happy nights.
When she worked at Rayners, fishermen from all over the world knew who she was.
Flo was the wife of entertainer and stand-up comic Harry Hemingway.
She was very proud of her son David, a founding member and drummer of The Housemartins before establishing The Beautiful South with Paul Heaton.
Flo's coffin was carried out to Eddy Arnold's If I Had My Life To Live Over.
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