A popular former publican has passed away quietly at the age of 80, surrounded by his family.
A keen musician, Roger Cave and his wife Ann ran The Bell at Selsley in 1987 and established a fine traditional pub, where entertainment was a regular feature.
In his early years, he trained as an electrician, later working as a service engineer for gas heating systems. But he was better known for his love of music.
His wife Ann and friend Brian Bailey, an ex- BBC Radio Gloucestershire presenter, formed folk trio Warp Weft and Twine, working in local folk clubs and pubs. In the 1970s, Ann and Roger worked as a country and western/rock and roll duo “Warp”. Playing at venues across the south west.
Roger continued to play guitar, but also encouraged many younger musicians to follow their dreams.
Roger passed away on May 28th and his daughter Becky said he will be greatly missed: “Dad was a local hero, a kind and honourable man who was friend and inspiration to many. He was a generous and great character who was loved by so many and will be greatly missed by all.
“Please raise a glass to Roger Cave, a true Stroud superstar.”
Some incredible tributes and memories since his passing have been posted on social media.
Tributes to Roger
“Roger was one of the nicest people I’ve ever had the privilege to meet and I know he enjoyed life to the full. He’ll be very much missed.”
“Roger was a little bit of a dad to most of us at some point. At the heart of so many memories for us all treasure. What a guy. What a family man.x”
“Roger has been such an influence to me musically and always will be, much love x”
“One of the best I have ever known, and I wouldn’t have half the musical knowledge i have today without the man like Roger Cave. Thinking of you all. So much love from all of us. RIP ya big rock singer xxx.”
“He was a great friend and loved by many.”
“What wonderful memories we all have of Roger, many up at The Bell & the pet pig. Roger and Ann helped make a lot of our teenage years such fun times RIP Roger x.”
“Roger and Ann helped me through some very difficult times in my life a long time ago and I will always be very grateful to them both XX.”
Roger’s funeral will be held at Cheltenham Crematorium (Willow) on Friday, June 23, 11.30am.
The funeral cars will pass through the town centre just after 10.30am.
A celebration of his life will follow straight after at The Old Crown at Paganhill
No suits – casual bright clothes.
