by Graham Tutthill

A well-known Dover character is hoping the people of the town will take heed of his final message: Smoking kills.

Albert Whittamore, known as Dick, died on February 16 aged 85, and left strict instructions that signs are to be displayed in his hearse warning others about the dangers of smoking cigarettes.

Mr Whittamore was a heavy smoker in his younger days, and blamed that on the emphysema which he suffered from in later life, almost rendering him immobile.

Most recently he had to use a motorised wheelchair to get around, and was a familiar sight on the streets of Dover, usually wearing a badge proudly displaying his age.

"He wanted to do his bit to get the message across to people about the health problems which smoking can cause," said undertaker Paul Sullivan, who is organising the funeral.

"I am having signs made up to put in the hearse, according to his instructions.

"He also left details of the route he wants the funeral procession to take around the town to show everyone the message."

The funeral takes place on Tuesday March 2, leaving his home at Tower Hamlets Road at 11.30am, and taking a 30-minute tour of the town before going to St Mary’s Cemetery for the funeral service at noon.

The route will include Dover seafront and over the swingbridge to Snargate Street where the hearse will pause for one minute at the site of the former Hippodrome Theatre, where Mr Whittamore previously worked.

For nearly 50 years he ran Winmore Entertprises, a small shop below his home, retiring in 2005 because of ill health.

Full story and pictures in this week's Dover Mercury.