Margaret’s family, including daughter Linda, son in law Roger and first team opening batsmen, grandson Alex, have been at the heart of cricket club life for generations.
Along with late husband, Robert, Margaret played a huge part in driving the club forward, helping to lay the foundations for many successful initiatives that remain in place to this day.

A kind, gentle, generous lady, with a heart of gold, Margaret was genuinely loved by everyone who knew her.

In an era of change at the club, we should never forget those who played such an important part in the club’s rich history and helped us get in a position to develop our exciting new facilities.

Anyone wanting to seek Margaret’s monument only has to look around. On the eve of our annual gala, it’s worth remembering Margaret how, along with former chairman George Bottomley and late husband Robert, was instrumental in founding our annual fundraiser.

Back in 1987, they had the idea of creating community event and, starting from scratch, had the vision to create such a forward-thinking idea that is loved across the village and beyond. Without the energy to drive the idea forward, over 35 years ago, there would never have been a club gala.

Throughout the 1980s and 90s it was Margaret, along with daughter Linda and others, who ran a successful, busy, tea room service. She helped to pioneer the willow tea room brand, which remained in place right to the end in our old pavilion. It was not by accident that our teas were known as the best in the league. They really were. Players and spectators alike would look forward to the tea-time fair as much as the game itself.
She was also regular attender at social events in the old pavilion, fun quiz nights, race evenings and a never forgotten line dancing event.

At the turn of the century, with more fundraising ideas needed, it was Margaret who was at the heart of a new social committee, which along with George, Tracey Powe and others, met regularly to think of fundraising ideas. The meetings would last long into the evening, with a hearty supper readily served up by the generous host. Little wonder attendees were keen for regular meetings. They were really happy days and wonderful memories.

In 2001, the club held its second summer tour to North Devon, where friends and family make the journey with players to enjoy some social cricket, in a relaxed environment. Margaret and Robert were great company throughout the week, with her ‘champagne moment’ award a memorable highlight of the tour.

After the sad death of Bob in 2006, Margaret continued to be at the heart of the club, a regular at social events and at the ground to cheer on Roger Alex, and granddaughter Charlotte’s husband, Chris Taylor.

Right until the end, she was following the club’s fortunes very closely and was kept informed of developments on and off the pitch. She was someone who always saw the good in people and wanted them to be happy. Her passing really is the end of an era. Our thoughts were with Margaret’s family, known to so many at the club, and wide circle of friends at this sad time.

Club president John Brooke paid tribute. He said: “Margaret was a gracious and friendly lady who always cared about, and took an interest in other people and wanted the best for them. She will be missed by everyone who knew her. It was a life well-led and my thoughts are with her loved ones at this difficult time.”