HE was the glue that held a community together – always there when others needed a helping hand.

Today, heartwarming tributes have been paid to dedicated pub manager Adrian Caldwell, who was known throughout the town for his “fantastic personality” and great sense of humour.

The 47-year-old father-of-four, known to his friends as Biglove, ran the Cock and Pye for 17 years.

He died on Sunday morning in Ipswich Hospital following a courageous battle with cancer.

Friends told of their sadness at losing “a man with a heart of gold”, who could make people smile on the rainiest of days.

Over the years Mr Caldwell fought bowel, skin and stomach cancer, with the disease returning when he was in remission.

Former borough councillor Steven Wells paid tribute to a “legend” who had a massive impact on improving nightlife in the town.

“Adrian had the ability to make people smile when they were having an awful day,” he said. “He had the biggest character.

“He was always aiming to make nightlife better in the town and he always succeeded.

“He was also known for being a bit of a match-maker because so many people met through going to the pub.

“Adrian took a chance on people who needed his help – including me. He helped me to start my first businesses by allowing me to be involved in the pub’s security.

“He fought the bravest battle against his cancer but sadly it came back with a vengeance. He will be missed by everyone who knew him, there is no doubt about that. He leaves behind a legacy of humour that no-one will ever forget.”

Ed Barnes, who knew Mr Caldwell for 15 years, said: “He always believed in people and that is a special quality to have. He was an absolute trooper and he made the nightlife in Ipswich so much better.

“He would remember everyone that came in and that attracted people to keep coming back to the pub.

“He was the glue that held the community together.”

Mr Caldwell, who lived in Freehold Road, moved to Ipswich from London to take over the town centre venue in 1995. During his time there he turned the pub into one of the most successful in the town.

A Greene King spokesman said: “He was a fantastic character, always ready with a joke or one-liner and he never had a bad day.

“We really appreciate the passion and pride he took in running the pub and he will be greatly missed by all those who worked with him.

“Our thoughts are with his family, friends and his staff.”

Friends of Adrian are invited to attend his funeral next week.

The service will take place at St Pancras Roman Catholic Church in Ipswich on Thursday, August 23 at 10am.

His friends and family will be wearing Hawaiian shirts at the request of Adrian, who will be buried in a Hawaiian shirt and linen trousers.

Donations are asked to be made to Macmillan Cancer Support and can be sent to East of England Funeral Service, 47 ST Helen’s Street, Ipswich, IP4 2JL.

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