Obituary: Popular pub landlord (From Witney Gazette)

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12:14pm Thursday 21st February 2008 in Witney By David Horne

A 'GOOD old-fashioned pub landlord' has died at the age of 88.

Gordon Rollins, who kept the Eagle Tavern, in Corn Street, Witney, was one of the longest-serving landlords in Oxfordshire.

He owned the pub, which eventually was bought by Hook Norton Brewery when he retired after more than 30 years behind the pumps.

Derek Honey, who has written a book on the history of the town's pubs, paid tribute to him.

"He was there when I first came to the town in 1979, and he ran a very traditional pub," he said.

"I've got good memories of him.

"He was a fine old boy when you got to know him. He served a very good pint of real ale.

"He wouldn't sell lager, because he said it was rubbish, and if you asked him for a packet of crisps, he replied he didn't sell food.

"He was a good old-fashioned pub landlord."

Mr Rollins, a widower, used to run the Eagle Tavern with his wife, Cecily, and leaves a son, Mark.