Cricketers throughout the district were stunned by the sudden death of Craven Cricket League secretary Mrs Margaret Coe last Wednesday.

Margaret, 55, who was born and brought up in Keighley, became the first woman secretary of the league when she took over from her husband, Trevor, in 1988. Long before that she had been a hard worker behind the scenes, giving her husband tremendous support.

She attended Highfield School, Keighley, and worked as an upholsterer at J H Rhodes and at Ledgard and Wynn in Skipton before taking a clerical job at Dewhurst's Mill also in Skipton.

She died at her Embsay home, and St Mary's Church in the village was packed for her funeral service on Wednesday.

League President Peter Shuttleworth said: "After supporting Trevor for many years when he was secretary she took over the job herself and took on the challenge with enthusiasm and sure every problem was overcome.

"She was a valuable addition to the team of officials and will be very sadly missed both as a friend and as secretary. The League's deepest sympathy goes to Trevor."

As well as her work for cricket Margaret also worked hard fund-raising for Ward 24 at Airedale Hospital, including organising and annual charity cricket match.

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