Cynthia Gilbert, a beloved landlady, passed away at 90 after running pubs in Coventry and Bulkington for decades, leaving a lasting legacy in the community.
At 90, she still lived above the Weavers Arms in Bulkington. She and her late husband, Peter, ran the pub for decades. Even after retiring, she stayed involved, asking about the pub daily.
Cynthia was born in Dunchurch. She met Peter at a Co-op dance, and they started their journey together. They opened The Baker’s Oven, a restaurant and bread shop, before becoming publicans.
In 1970, they took over the Hare and Squirrel pub in Coventry. Peter encouraged her to try it out, and she quickly fell in love with the pub life.
The couple later ran The Grange in Coventry for nearly 18 years before moving to Bulkington. They found the Weavers Arms, which became a village hub thanks to Cynthia’s homemade food.
Cynthia worked tirelessly, seven days a week, for years. She was loved by many, with people sharing how she impacted their lives.
She passed away peacefully in her sleep at George Eliot Hospital. Cynthia was proud of her age, often saying, “When you get to 90, those five months are important.”
Despite her dedication to the pubs, she raised five children. She often spoke of her son Barry, who passed away shortly after birth.
After Peter’s death, Cynthia chose to stay at the pub, saying she loved it there. She continued to visit daily until about 2017.
Even after her passing, the pub opened for business. Her son Peter shared that many customers came in to honor her memory.
Cynthia had a great sense of humor, often saying, “Drink is not the answer, but one more will not kill you.” She cherished her family, including her daughters and grandchildren.
Funeral details are still being arranged, but it won’t be on a Friday, as she believed funerals shouldn’t be about drinking. It will be held at St James Church in Bulkington, a place she loved dearly.
