Community Heroes Remembered at Ripley Museum’s Latest Exhibition

Published on: 12 Apr, 2025
Updated on: 16 Apr, 2025

In every community there are men and women, and in some cases children, who go above and beyond the rest to contribute to the community.

These people often go through life without a huge amount of recognition and in most cases are neither rich nor famous.

Ripley pharmacist Kenneth White made the first Penicillin for civilians during the Second World War.

The latest exhibition at Send and Ripley History Society’s museum focuses on two such people: wartime pharmacist extraordinaire Kenneth White and his assistant John Hutson.

The museum says: “The first person is remembered, because he managed to make Penicillin for civilians when it was restricted to the military; and the second person because without him the amazing archive from the Ripley Chemist’s shop would not have been saved.

“We could have featured many more community heroes – some who have died but plenty who are still adding to the richness of Send and Ripley today.”

The museum is in Ripley High Street, next to the village hall, and is open every Saturday from 10am to noon, until the end of June, or by appointment with Clare on 01483 728546.