Tributes to Henley pub landlord who ‘made customers feel valued’

William Dobson, known as Bill, was for more than four decades a familiar and respected figure in Henley-on-Thames.

Born in the Cambridgeshire village of Sawtry on 6 July 1940, Bill’s family moved to Birmingham during his early childhood. At 17, he began working life as a plumber’s mate and briefly with Walls Ice Cream before deciding to broaden his horizons. He joined the Army, beginning what would become a distinguished 24-year military career.

Serving with the RAOC, Bill rose through the ranks to Warrant Officer WO1 and was respected for his leadership, diplomacy and self-assured manner. He became a vehicle specialist and was briefly attached to the Royal Marine Commandos in Plymouth, completing his Commando course aged 30. At the time, he was one of the oldest to do so.

After serving across the world in Libya, Hong Kong, Belgium and Germany, in 1980, Bill moved to Henley-on-Thames with his wife Bridget and their two daughters, Rebecca and Rachael, to take on Brakspears Queens Head. Over the next 25 years, he transformed it into one of the town’s most successful and welcoming pubs. What may once have been considered challenging became a thriving, community-focused business.

Across more than 30 years as a publican in Henley, the Queens Head, Henley became a central part of the town’s social life.

Bill ran a tight and fair ship. There were clear standards, but always a warm welcome and humour. More listener than talker, his steady presence and dry wit made customers feel valued.

The Queen’s Head became known for its hospitality. Travelling salespeople, weekend regulars and long-standing locals were greeted by name. Pensioners found routine and companionship there each morning. Bill and Bridget often spent hours after closing time listening to those facing hardship. The pub sponsored Henley Football Club and hosted darts, pool and cribbage teams, travelling to away fixtures with loyal customers.

As the town evolved, so did the pub. A refurbishment ushered in live music and a new generation of customers. Many couples who met there later married; lifetime friendships were made; anniversaries and milestones were marked within its walls. It became not just a business, but part of Henley’s social fabric, a true community hub.

In his later years as a publican, Bill was widowed and moved to The Old Bell, a smaller and more intimate pub known for conversation and camaraderie. After retiring, he remained an active presence in Henley, spending time at the gym, and with his partner of 15 years Christine, walking their dogs Modo and Suky, enjoying life in the town he had made home.

He will be remembered for his fairness, his quiet strength and the deep love he had for his family. He leaves behind his daughters Rebecca and Rachael; five grandchildren Victoria, Sophie, Samuel, William and Alice; three great-grandchildren Olivia, Zachary and Madison and his partner Christine.

His legacy lives not only in those closest to him, but in the many Henley residents whose lives intersected with his across decades behind the bar.

Bill had been living with Chronic Myelomonocytic Leukemia (CMML), a form of blood cancer, in his later years.

A memorial service will be held at Christ Church, Henley-on-Thames, at 12.30pm on Tuesday, March 3. All are welcome.