SOMERSET cricket is mourning the sad loss of Mary Elworthy-Coggan who passed away in Musgrove Park Hospital on Friday, November 15, aged 90, writes Richard Walsh..

Born in Minehead on November 10, 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, her cider cake 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,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, for over 20 years 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 Ian Botham twice, on part of his fundraising walk for Leukaemia. Serving on the SCCC 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 soul mate 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. 

“There was a strong bond between us -they were like surrogate parents to us when we were in the UK.”

In July 2024 Mary hosted the 30th and final BBQ at her house which raised in excess of £6k. In recognition of her efforts Somerset Chief Executive Jamie Cox presented her with a limited edition print of the County Ground by Jack Russell.