A SERVICE of celebration has taken place at the Cooper Associates County Ground in Taunton to remember the life of Mary Elworthy-Coggan, of Fitzhead.
A life-long Somerset supporter, Mary sadly passed away last month aged 90. More than 250 friends and family attended the service which was held in the County Room of the Colin Atkinson Pavilion.
Many current and former players including Andrew Caddick, James Hildreth, Jos Buttler, Max Waller, Dennis Breakwell, Ian Blackwell, Keith Parson, Rob Turner and Roy Kerslake joined Somerset CEO Jamie Cox, Director of Cricket Andy Hurry and Head Coach Jason Kerr in paying their respects.
Following the service, Mary left the ground for the final time beneath a guard of honour formed by the current Somerset men and women’s teams and coaching staff.
The flags at the Coopers Associates County Ground also flew at half mast for the day.
Born in Minehead on 10th November 1934, Mary attended Minehead Grammar School. Her love for cricket came initially when her father and first husband both captained the local club Huish Champflower. Mary threw herself into making teas (where her cider cake was legendary), and scoring for the club, a duty she only relinquished in 2010.
Mary served on many cricketing committees. In 2016 she became President of West Somerset Cricket League, this is after being treasurer from 2010 and previously secretary. A post she held for 21 years. Mary served as secretary of the Taunton Area Committee, part of Somerset County Cricket Club before the new reorganisation.
She annually organised a sponsored walk along the Bridgwater and Taunton Canal, a Royal Ascot Ladies Raceday, a Christmas Lunch and Carol Service, as well as hosting a BBQ at her own house supported by many of the Somerset players and club officials.
In addition, she joined Lord Botham twice on part of his fundraising walk for Leukaemia.Serving on the SCCC General Committee from 1988 until 2002, she raised substantial sums of money for players during their testimonial or benefit year and for the club itself.
In recognition of her hard work and devotion she was made an Honorary Life Member in 2005, the first lady to be awarded this accolade. In July of this year, Mary hosted the 30th and final BBQ at her house which raised in excess of £6,000, splitting the proceeds between Alzheimer’s Society, Darby Rimmer Motor Neurone Disease Foundation and Somerset CCC. She made it known at the time that this would be her last barbeque.
In recognition of her efforts Somerset Chief Executive, Jamie Cox presented her with a limited edition print of the Cooper Associates County Ground by Jack Russell.