David HemmingsA GALAXY of stars gathered at a London church yesterday to pay their last respects to actor David Hemmings, who spent his last years living in Calne.

Amongst the guests at the memorial service were Joanna Lumley, Bob Hoskins, Ray Winstone, David Soul, Geraldine James and Leslie Bricusse.

Mr Hemmings, 62, died after a heart attack in December while in Romania with his wife, Lucy, filming for his latest movie Samantha's Child.

The actor was a 1960s film icon who rose to fame in the cult classic Blow Up starring alongside Vanessa Redgrave.

Mr Hemmings moved to Calne from London in 1998 and married Lucy Williams in 2002 in a secret ceremony at Chippenham Register Office.

A private family funeral was held at St Mary's Church in Calne following his death.

His wife chose to hold a separate memorial service in London for all of her huband's showbiz friends and for those who could not attend the funeral.

The service was taken by the Rev Gary Bradley at St Mary's Church in Paddington Green.

The Rev Bob Kenway from Calne also travelled to the service in London to give the readings, which was very much appreciated by Mrs Hemmings.

Friends and relatives spoke of Mr Hemming's life at the service and celebrated his wealth of talent as a singer, actor, writer, producer, director and painter.

The service began with a recording from Benjamin Britten's opera The Turn of the Screw in which Mr Hemmings played and sung the character of Miles.

This was the beginning of his career in the limelight and his memorial service followed through the greatest theatrical achievements of his life.

Actor Mark Burns read the poem The Charge of the Light Brigade in recognition of his time on set with Mr Hemmings in the 1968 film.

This was followed by a piece from Mr Hemmings' son, Nolan, who read a poem that his father had written called Adieu et Au Revoir.

Mr Hemmings' oldest daughter Deborah Kemp then read a poem called TUMPS (totally useless male poet) by Wendy Cope.

TUMPS was the affectionate name given to Mr Hemmings by his granddaughters Esme and Molly.

Actor Robert Powell, who was a friend of Mr Hemmings' for many years, read How Long is a Man's Life.

This was followed by Sir Derek Jacobi who read When Earth's Last Picture is Painted by Rudyard Kipling.

Mrs Hemmings said: "We all became great friends whilst filming Gladiator. We spent a lot of time there together."

An address was also given by friend Peter Burden and anecdotes were told by fellow actor Sir Tom Courtenay who became close friends with Mr Hemmings while filming Last Orders.

Mrs Hemmings said: "The service was everything I hoped it would be. It was a lovely tribute to David and it was beautiful music.

"Everyone said it was very uplifting."