Friends pay tribute to a pub landlord

A MEMORIAL weekend to celebrate the life of a St Neots pub landlord raised more than £2,000 for charity.

Richard Neale, 54, landlord of The Bull's Head, in Cambridge Street, died last December after being diagnosed with lung cancer.

It is believed he contracted the disease after being in contact with asbestos.

His wife Cecile, 52, arranged the memorial weekend as a celebration of her late husband's life.

She said: "Richard was larger than life and until the illness took hold he was positive about everything. He would often sit on a sofa in the pub and chat with regulars, even if he was feeling ill."

A photo of the father of two hangs above the sofa in the pub where he had frequently sat during his four years as landlord.

In celebration of the life of Richard (or Dickie Dom as he was known for his love of playing dominos and other pub games), a pool and darts competition was held on Friday night at the pub followed by a crib and dominos tournament on Sunday night.

On Saturday, pub regulars, friends and family including Dickie's eldest son, Richard, competed at Cromwell Golf Club for the first Richard Neale Memorial Cup.

This was followed by a Cockney night at the Bull's Head.

Mrs Neale said: "I wanted to give something back to the nurses who looked after Richard in his last few days and thank them for their work, and a memorial weekend seemed like a good way of raising money."

The couple had been married for three years and Mrs Neale said it had been love at first sight.

She said: "Our eyes had met over the counter of the Bull's Head and the rest, as they say, is history."

The £2,235 raised will be presented to Macmillan Nurses and will be used to buy three syringe drivers, which provide medication to patients at home.

Richard had been treated by Macmillan nurses in his home.

INFORMATION: To donate money in memory of Richard Neale, phone Cecile on 01480 356185.