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SCCC mourns the loss of Mary Elworthy-Coggan
Somerset County Cricket Club is mourning the sad loss of Mary Elworthy-Coggan who passed away in Musgrove Park Hospital on Friday 15th November aged 90.
Born in Minehead on 10th November 1934, Mary attended Minehead Grammar School. Her parents, Leonard and Bessie Heywood farmed at Lower Brown Farm, Huish Champflower where her love for the countryside started.
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 that 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 Honorary 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 that was 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 2015, Mary finally married her soulmate, Mike Coggan. Having lived together for many years they were always found following cricket, being at County or National level, travelling the country or abroad.
When Mike passed away in January 2018 part of Mary went with him, although the cricket and her dog Rosie pulled her through.
Andy Caddick, the former England and Somerset fast bowler said: “Mary and her husband Mike Coggan were a lovely couple and over the years they supported us when we toured Sri Lanka, New Zealand and the West Indies.
“It was a sad event when Mike passed away after which Mary’s life was cricket like it always had been.
“For more than 30 years Mary was a big part of our family and along with Mike watched our children grow and they toured the world with us. There was a strong bond between us and they were like surrogate parents to us when we were in the UK.”
The former England paceman added: “Mary and Mike were always keen to help out on benefit committees and they raised a lot of money for the Club and the players over the years. She will be very sadly missed.”
Mary was always so proud of her Somerset boys and they loved her. Three former Somerset players (Jos Buttler, Marcus Trescothick and Jamie Overton) paid tribute to her by wearing black armbands in the fourth T20 International match in the West Indies.
In July 2024, Mary hosted the 30th and final BBQ at her house which raised in excess of £6000, splitting the proceeds between Alzheimer’s Society, Darby Rimmer Motor Neurone Disease Foundation and Somerset CCC. 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.
Jamie, who first got to know Mary when he captained Somerset between 1999-2002, said: “The Club enjoys fabulous support from all of its loyal Members and fans but few have been more loyal and given as much to our Club than Mary. A kind and generous lady, who has positively influenced the lives of so many at our Club and in the region. She will be dearly missed by all. Give Mike a hug from us all Mary and rest in peace together again.”
Mary Elworthy-Coggan, who often described herself as “Somerset through and through”, was much loved by all who were fortunate enough to know her. A one off who will be greatly missed.
