TRIBUTES from across the town have been paid to local pub landlord Bob Musker who sadly died last month.
Bob was well known throughout the Westbury area as landlord of the Horse and Groom pub for ten years and for his fundraising for local clubs and organisations including the Lions Club of Westbury, Westbury Rugby Club, Guide Dogs for the Blind and Probus.
A celebration of Bob’s life will take place on Friday 24th March at 1.15pm at Semington Crematorium. On a post on the Horse and Groom’s Facebook page, Bob’s wife Carol has urged those that want to attend the service to wear bright colours to reflect Bob’s attitude to life. A ‘real celebration’ will take place at the pub following the service. Carol has also asked for people to donate to Dorothy House Hospice in his name if they so wish.
The Westbury Lions Club have thanked Bob for raising thousands of pounds for the organisation throughout the years.
A club spokesperson said, “It is with sadness that we heard of the passing into higher service of our dear friend Bob Musker. Through their tenure at the Horse and Groom, Bob along with his wife Carol have supported Westbury Lions more as fellow members than as landlord and landlady.
“As a member of Southampton Round Table, Bob recognised the importance of community engagement and charitable support and had many shared values to those of the Lions themselves which seemed to endear us towards him. Bob and Carol’s commitment to supporting our efforts in the community have been wide ranging and unrelenting. They were always seeking to raise funds on our behalf, raising thousands of pounds in the process, while at the same time promoting our charitable giving in the town and actively encouraging other people to join our ranks too.
“In many ways nobody outside of our membership has done more to support Westbury Lions in recent years. We were fortunate to be able to demonstrate our gratitude to Bob and Carol often over the years, no more so than on inviting them to our annual charter dinners where their table and their antics with our guests, made every night so memorable!
“While we will miss Bob dearly, Westbury Lions will continue to support our dear friend Carol as best we can. We hope too that in time we can ensure that his kindness and goodwill will always be an example for our members and others in the community to follow.”
Westbury town and Wiltshire councillor, Gordon King, said, “The Horse and Groom pub to which Bob moved with his family more than a decade ago was formally central to Westbury’s nighttime economy which had lost its way.
“The Musker’s brought it back to life by a combination of refurbishment, better decoration, an improved dining experience, introducing guest beers, and through Bob’s entrepreneurial spirit venturing into bed and breakfast gaining rave reviews on trip adviser. A family business that always makes you feel welcome, Bob made the Horse and Groom and Westbury, a business and tourist destination.
“Wanting to make sure that the pub regained its place in the community Bob’s advertising campaign is worthy of mention ‘best beer for smiles’ for example adorned ‘A’ boards at town vantage points. Using the garden space for events and through his sponsorship of Westbury Ladies Rugby Club, he had a keen eye on contributing to the community. Bob Musker was the type of businessman and resident who truly contributed to making Westbury a place worth living in. He has left it in good shape.”
Fellow publican Matthew Dean from the Angel said, “Bob was hugely respected as a publican and for the role he played in the local community and for everything he did for the town. We’ll miss him a great deal.”
Tributes also came in on the Horse and Groom’s Facebook page. A former employee, Rachel Hardy said, “Such sad news. I met Bob over 25 years ago- he was a great character and inspiring boss who would let you run and then rein you back in before you’d fall. I’m not sure I’d be where I am today without him. My sincere condolences to Carol, Tom, and Hannah and the rest of his family and friends. Godspeed Bob.”
Karen Rees added, “Such a sad day for all that loved and knew Bob, he was a true gentleman and character through and through. He will be truly missed by all. Rest in peace, Bob.”
