THE funeral of Tony Howells, the former landlord of the Queen Elizabeth pub in Elmley Castle, near Pershore, who died last month aged 71, took place this week.

Mr Howells came to the Queen Elizabeth in 1963 with his parents Fred and May.

A pianist on a cruise liner for many years, he was a talented musician with an extensive knowledge of the jazz world and used to play the piano at the pub with regulars after closing time.

An old piano used to stand in the back hall of the pub and Tony is remembered for rarely finishing one tune before starting on the next. The Queen Elizabeth pub was also a meeting place for huntsmen, bellringers, the local choir and other rural rovers, but especially the village cricketers.

After a local match, large enamel jugs used to be passed around by Tony, and photos of the team adorned the bar.

The story goes that on one occasion a shooting party came in and saw ties for sale on the bar with the initials RGAH, after Worcestershire and West Indian cricketer Ron Headley (his middle names are George Augustus).

Mr Howells had been trying to sell them in support of Ron’s benefit year, but up until that point had not sold any.

After inquiring about the initials, Mr Howells told them they stood for the Royal Gun and Hunt Club, and quickly sold out.

His funeral took place at Worcester Crematorium yesterday with friends and family, and a quarter peal in his honour was rung on the bells of St Mary’s, the village church, at 7pm.

Instead of flowers, Mr Howells’ family requested that donations be made instead to the Cats Protection League through funeral directors Philip Tomlins.

Guests then went back to the pub, which has since come under new management, to remember him and pay their respects.