Lasting tribute created in memory of much-missed Gatehouse woman

A lasting tribute has been created in memory of a much-missed Gatehouse woman who contributed her time to the local community.

Lesley Richmond died recently following a short illness leaving many mourning the sudden loss of her talents.

Following her death the decision was made that a rose bush be planted in the Town Hall gardens by way of a living memorial.

And on Saturday community representatives looked on as Lesley’s husband David dug the bush into the circular stone bed.

Provost of Gatehouse Helen Keating, who attended the simple ceremony, paid tribute to Mrs Richmond’s voluntary work.

She said: “She was an archivist at the University of Glasgow and used to do all the historical walks round the town for gala week.

“She was the wife of Gatehouse Community Council chairman David and did a lot of work in helping to get the Gatehouse News out in time.

“She also worked in the charity shop as a volunteer – Lesley really did a tremendous lot and a lot of people were upset when they heard she had suddenly died.”

Wendy Roscoe, representing the charity shop, Provost Keating and Tony Parker, who maintains the town hall gardens as a volunteer, attended as Mr Richmond planted the rose bush in memory of his late wife.