Nene People Tim Stubbs, mine host at the ever popular Red Lion in Warmington talks about life, love and fundraising.
Tim Stubbs WORDS: SUE DOBSON
PORTRAIT: TIM STEELE
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IM Stubbs was very close to his sister, Carole. “Growing up, we worked side by side in the family bakery. Although we were very different in some ways – Carole was always impeccably dressed and her home was modern and immaculate – we were the same, if that makes sense.” Talking about her today he’s visibly moved by her loss. Carole died of cancer in December 2016, an hour before her 69th birthday dawned, at the Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall hospice. Impressed by the level of care there, and touched by the kindness of the staff, Tim, well known for his fundraising for local good causes, set his heart on raising money in memory of his beloved ‘Big Sis’. He commissioned angel-shaped wine glass markers to sell at the bar and at the after-funeral wake, Carole’s husband David pledged to do a sponsored skydive. Since then Tim has organised afternoon teas, theme nights, quizzes, raffles and charity auctions at the pub; Carole’s daughters, her grandchildren and family members have led a 17mile sponsored walk; her nephew, Tim’s son George, has run a marathon and countless individuals have made donations. “Our initial aim was to raise £10,000, which seemed a lot at the time, but amazingly we’d raised that amount in the first 10 weeks. By 20 weeks the total had reached £20,000, which included David’s skydive. Those glass angels raised around £10,000. By the end of the fundraising year we were nudging £45,000. It’s an incredible achievement, people have been so very generous.” It’s almost 12 years since Tim and his partner Richard Bright took over The Red Lion in Warmington. “I was selling cars, very successfully but hating the job, when we heard that the pub was available. I’m a baker by trade and have always enjoyed cooking, meeting people and being part of village life. It seemed perfect for us.” They’ve made a great success of the enterprise, serving “good value, simple, unpretentious food”. Their Sunday roasts are so popular that they have four lunch sittings. “We prepare and make everything we can on site and all our desserts are homemade,” he says. With its beams, fireplace and gleaming antique furnishings, the cosy and welcoming pub reflects Tim’s friendly personality and long-held interests. “I’ve had an eye for antiques as long as I can remember – I’ve always loved other people’s junk! My grandmother died when I was 11 and I longed for her brass and iron bed, her jugs and bowls, but my parents didn’t want to know, they wanted everything new.” When the family bakery was sold, Tim’s knowledge of antiques got him a job with an auctioneer in Bourne, where he was Assistant Manager and trainee auctioneer. A few years later he joined Antique and Secondhand Traders in the heart of the town. “They sold everything but specialised in Edwardian furniture. They were good, proper down to earth people to work for.” At the time he was a single dad to two young children, “a full time parent and part time worker” and today enjoys being granddad to his daughter Nell’s two children.
Tim Stubbs (left) and partner Richard Bright
A noted raconteur, Tim offers two talks: Reflections on Life and Buying and Collecting Antiques. The first one, about growing up in Thurlby, is both witty and thought provoking, and he tailors his talks on antiques to the interests of his audience. “Essentially I want to enthuse people and give them a sense of the enjoyment to be had,” he says. “A collection can often be sparked by something given to you or loved in childhood and once you focus on a subject there’s so much to delve into and learn.” Back at The Red Lion, Tim’s passion for fundraising continues unabated, whether it’s for Warmington Church (where three times a year he creates some spectacular flower arrangements), Warmington School, Air Ambulance or one of a host of other local deserving causes, underlining his belief in the importance of community and caring for others.
Tim’stop Nene Valley attractions
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The countryside
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Winter sunsets
Being part of a village community NENE LIVING MARCH 2018
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