11-07-2025
Newport pays final respects to Dr Graeme Yule at funeral
The death of the much-loved GP, who served at St Julians Medical Centre for more than 30 years, left patients and colleagues stunned.
By 1pm the pavements along Durham Road had filled with mourners seeking shade, while the junction with Stafford Road overflowed with those waiting to witness the cortege.
Emotion filled the streets, with many quietly crying as they stood shoulder to shoulder with fellow mourners. The Union Flag of the St Julian's Conservative Club flew at half-mast, fluttering above the emotional scene.
The hearse carrying Dr Yule stopped outside the medical centre, which is now synonymous with the good doctor to allow the community to pay its respect. Mourners queued behind the hearse to put one hand on the coffin, as a final gesture to a treasured servant of the community.
As the vehicle climbed Stafford Road, one voice rang out above the hush: 'Three cheers for Dr Yule.' The crowd responded and then applause followed as the hearse slowly took Dr Yule to his final appointment.
Dr Graeme Yule of St Julians Medical Centre (Image: Facebook image of St Julians Medical Centre) Among those gathered to pay last respects were patients whose lives had been shaped by the doctor's care. Alex Harris said, 'He was an amazing guy. He could help you with darker things that others ignored. He just had a way to communicate with you. Even the way he would sit in his chair as he listened helped bring out your troubles to him. He sat there relaxed, and it made you relaxed.'
Alex smiled sadly as he recalled how Dr Yule never forgot personal details, made Alex understand himself better and often asked after family members. 'One in a million,' he added.
Sharon Prowse, a military veteran, shared similar memories. 'When I left the army, he treated me, and I can't express how grateful I am to him. His understanding of my needs was incredible.' She and Alex both warmly demonstrated the quiet authority of the doctor's signature seated style—leaning back, open and composed, a posture that made patients feel truly heard and put them at their ease.
Newport said farewell today not just to a physician, but to a comforter and a friend.
