TRIBUTES have been paid to one of Romsey’s best known faces.

Wendy Dayus of Botley Road passed away peacefully after a short battle with cancer at her daughter Kelly’s home in Hereford.

Wendy, 72, was born and raised in Romsey along with her brother Michael, by her mother Evelyn Dayus (Mrs ‘D’) and town vet Edward Dayus.

After travelling the world and living in Australia in her early twenties, Wendy returned to Romsey to take up the role so many will know her for, as landlady of the Old House at Home.

She remained alongside her partner, Barrie Cook, running the pub for 27 years before finally retiring in 2000.

As the landlady of the Old House, Wendy hosted countless memorable parties, she was instrumental in organising incredible carnival floats, live music nights and New year’s eve celebrations to simply being a friendly face welcoming a weary traveller or Romsonian through the pub doors for a hearty meal or a good old gossip.

In retirement Wendy volunteered for Romsey Good Neighbours for 17 years. She thoroughly enjoyed transporting and supporting many people in trips to hospitals and gained many friends thanks to the organisation over the years.

Wendy’s funeral will take place at the new Test Valley Crematorium on September 15 at 1pm. Anyone wishing to attend is more than welcome. Wendy’s life will then be celebrated at her favourite local, the Bishops Blaze.

Those attending are asked not to wear black, and that flowers are only given by family members.

If anyone would like to donate a gift in Wendy’s memory, please visit: www.st-michaels-hospice.org.uk/donate/ . That is the organisation that took care of Wendy in her final days.

Donations can also be made to Marie Curie - https://www.mariecurie.org.uk/donate