Anthony Edwards (13 Nov 1951 - 12 Oct 2015)

Once upon a time we knew Tony Edwards - someone who's stayed in our memory along with Amanda for nearly 40 years, when we used to be regulars at The Blue Bell, even though we left Hoby around 1980. What fun we used to have in the best local imaginable when he was landlord - who else could get you hooked on brandy and creme de menthe?! And we loved watching him joust at Belvoir Castle - there could be no better Black Knight!

There's one particular vibrant memory we have of him... Early one very freezing cold morning, when the whole village was snowed in, he came down our lane on horseback, off to exercise his steed over the fields, stopping to say hi and patting the flask of brandy he had in his pocket saying he'd be "warm enough". I'll never forget how we laughed when he came back an hour or so later, acting like 'Cat Ballou' and sliding sideways almost off the saddle! He then announced that he'd open the pub when he got back and made all the patrons some hot soup and another local baked some bread for us. What a day that was! He was such a funny, generous and charismatic guy - someone you never forget.

I'm sure Amanda and his loving family are consoled a little by the thought that he touched so many peoples' lives with his presence.

The Goodwins, formerly of Church Lane, Hoby xx

AT the time I could not express my emotional feelings for the loss of Tony. He is always in Brian and my thoughts. I can still hear him calling, "Amanda, Amanda" his voice was so strong.
I was there at times when Tony was so poorly, being close to Amanda was being close to Tony. We have so many memories of him, too many to put into words.
Love and miss you always,
Jill and Brian Yendole

At the time I could not express my emotional feelings for the loss of Tony. He is always in Brian and my thoughts and I can still hear him call, "Amanda, Amanda", his voice was so strong.
I was there at times when he was so poorly, being close to Amanda was being close to Tony.
We have so many memories of him, too many to put into words.
Love and missing you always,
Jill and Brian Yendole

At the time I could not write my immotional feelings for the loss of Tony .He is always in Brian and my thoughts .I can still hear him calling Amanda,Amanda his vouch was so strong.I was there on accasions when he was soo poorly ,being close to Amanda was being close to Tony .We have so many memories of him ,too many to put into words .Love and miss lots and lots xxxx Jil and Brian Yendole

At the time I could not write my immotioal feelings for the loss of Tony .He is always in Brian and my thoughts .I can still hear him calling Amanda,Amanda his vouch was so strong .I was there on accassions when he was so poorly,being close to Amanda was being close to Tony.We have so many memories of him too many put into words.Love and miss you lots and lots Brin and Jill Yendile

So many memories, a life time of knowing him. A true gentleman he will be deeply missed and never forgotten by all of us.

I first met Tony and Amanda through my partner Roger Burnham about nine years ago ,

it would be very hard to forget the warmest of welcomes from both ,such lovely people ,
the very famous infectious Smile and lit up sparkly eyes of Tony the black knight ? was a sight i will never forget,
I remember one occasion well when Rog and I called three months after I had lost my son to a sudden death ! I was in a state of utter shock still and my grief was still intence ,my life became an act behind my forced smile and reservoir of tears and I was convinced it was impossible for me to ever laugh about anything ever again ,
after the initial greeting and condolences we sat at the famous kitchen table where I'm sure some of the most incredible stories have been told , the world being put to rights , rivers of wine and port drank ,

you can imagine what happened next being in this lovely house with these lovely people it wasn't long before the famous enough Port bottle landed on the table ? the rest is history ,I left the house nearly crying because I was so pleased I could actually laugh again and could see the light at the end of the tunnel ....

Thanks Tony for making me smile and for the Port of course .

You'll be sorely missed.

Love Ali Spencer and Roger Burnham

Top! Top! Man WHAT A LEGEND will miss you mate !

Roger and Ali xx

Dearest Tony, love and memories to a very special person.

We each have a picture of someone we treasure, we take it out often, and always with pleasure,
Perhaps for a moment, perhaps for all day, then carefully, lovingly tuck it away, it could be a photo but often it's not, it maybe no more than a wonderful thought, the kind that's brought happiness right from the start, and that's always nearby and kept in the heart.
Happy Birthday my darling brother, I think of you and miss you, I hope you are enjoying some lovely carrot cake!

We've lost a true gentlemen & friend , who's character was larger than life....

Whisky will never taste the same.....

Miss you Tony .....Love Angus , Alicia , Emily xxx

Hi Amanda,
Thinking of you and the family but I must tell you of a memory of Tony. I knew him many years ago and we travelled in the back of Jim and Tessa Summer's horse box to his first point to point ride. I can't remember where it was but in those days folk didn't have posh living, you sat on a bale of straw in the back with the horses. I can well remember that Tony's face turned more and more pale the nearer we got to the course, nerves were taking over ! Any way he rode but came off on the far side of the course, bless him. I can't remember what happened next time but good on him for trying, I wouldn't!
I enclose a photo of him at this year's QH puppy show, he was on good form as always.
Much love.
Frankie

Huge smile, huge personality with a huge heart. Rest in peace Tony, much respect Helen and family

Tony was a charismatic man who's smile would light up the room he will never be forgotten,he welcomed everyone with that huge personality of his,my heart goes out to Amanda and his family for their loss. Tony rest in peace.
Pauline and Plum

You have the friends you deserve and Tony was living proof of this....what a wonderful , kind, fun loving gentleman who touched so many people's lives...

"Farewell, Farewell
my friends.
I smile and bid you goodbye.
No, shed no tears,
for I need them not
All I need is your smile.

If you feel sad
think of me
for that's what I'd like.
When you live in the hearts
of those you love,
remember then....
you never die."

By. Gitanjali Ghei.

Some live longer but few as brightly as you lived life

Thank you Tony for encouraging Mollie to go for that first big hedge. She has never looked back. Your legacy of character and faith will continue on in Mollie in whom you invested so much time support and belief. Our family will never forget you or your wonderful wife Amanda.