'A mum to so many': Flo Hemingway, barmaid at Hull's Rayners and Humber St Andrew's, dies at 87

TRIBUTES have been paid to one of the city's best-known barmaids.

Flo Hemingway, 87, died suddenly at her home after a heart attack on Monday, December 17.

She was behind the bar at Humber St Andrew's and Rayners for years and was know for her huge beehive haircut.

She was also the mother of David Hemingway, a founding member of The Beautiful South.

Music compere and Mail columnist Dave Norman knew Flo for many years.

He said: "Everyone who knew her loved her.

"Flo was always heavily involved in charity work.

"She carried out a lot of charity work on behalf of the Humber St Andrew's Club, where she spent many happy nights, and I know her fund- raising buffets will be missed.

"She was a lovely woman and I knew her for a lot of years.

"We always had a race to see who could get the first round of drinks in.

"She was like a mum to so many people.

"When she worked at Rayners, fishermen from all over the world knew who she was.

"She was one of those characters everyone talked about and she was always on hand to give good advice."

Flo was born in 1925 in Livingston Terrace, off Walcott Street.

She worked as a barmaid for 40 years, serving at the likes of the St Andrew's Club and the Kingfisher, along with Rayners.

She was named Barmaid of the Year in 1972.

Flo was the wife of entertainer and stand-up comic Harry Hemingway.

She was also well-known for being the mother of David, a founding member and drummer of The Housemartins before establishing The Beautiful South with Paul Heaton.

Flo was a big supporter of the band's music, attending many of the concerts and even going on tour with them on occasion.

Entertainer and florist Alfie Walsham was a close friend of Flo's.

He said: "She was a very kind person and treated me like a son.

"I will always remember her hairstyle."

Ward councillor Nadine Fudge also praised the Hessle Road character.

She said: "Flo was a happy- go-lucky person and a real Hessle Roader.

"She was very popular with everyone. She will be missed by so many people."

Flo's funeral will take place tomorrow with a service at Northern Cemetery Chapel, followed by committal at Northern Cemetery.