Bovey Tracey bid farewell to Victor Coombes
ONE of Bovey Tracey’s oldest former cricketers has died aged 92.
Victor Coombes, a retired school teacher, joined Bovey Tracey CC in the late 1940s.
He batted and bowled on into the 1960s – often in the same side as younger brother Austin – before retiring. He coached young players in the 50s and 60s, among them future Teignbridge and Devon County councillor George Gribble.
The captain for many of those seasons was Stuart Mountford who, aged 93, is believed to be Bovey’s oldest surviving player.
Cricket was Victor’s passion and he continued to support Bovey Tracey as a committeeman and later as the club historian.
When Bovey Tracey celebrated their 150th anniversary in 2000, Victor did much of the research for a commemorative booklet marking the occasion.
Austin, who is 90, said his brother had many sporting interests but cricket was always his passion.
“More than anything my brother loved his cricket ,” said Austin.
“He played golf, we both played table-tennis and snooker, but cricket was his thing.
“If there was cricket on the radio, he would always have it on.”
Councillor Gribble, who became chairman of Bovey Tracey CC after his playing days ended, said he would remember Victor with affection.
“Victor was a fine player in his day – batting and bowling – and a devoted club supporter for many years,” said Mr Gribble.
“He loved cricket and passed that love on to us as youngsters in his coaching.”
Victor Lloyd Coombes was born in 1924, one of seven sons and two daughters of Albert and Nora Coombes.
The family ran a building company – they built the cottage hospital in Bovey Tracey - and later branched into undertaking.
“Victor was never interested in joining the family firm – he said we were welcome to it,” said Austin.
Victor was educated at Newton Abbot Grammar School and trained to be a teacher at St Luke’s College in Exeter.
Before he could get started on his career the Second World War interrupted Victor’s plans and he enlisted in the Royal Engineers.
“All seven brothers served during the war,” said Austin.
“Victor was a staff sergeant in Egypt, I was in Palestine and from time to time we were able to meet up.”
Sadly, only six brothers came home from the war. Rodney, who was in the RAF, died when the troop ship he was on was torpedoed in the Bay of Biscay.
After the war Victor started teaching in Buckfastleigh then obtained a job at Highweek Secondary School for Boys in Newton Abbot. He stayed there for the rest of his working life.
“My brother was absolutely dedicated to teaching,” said Austin. “When he died we had letters from his former pupils remembering him.”
Austin and Victor played table-tennis and snooker together for teams based at the Conservative Club in Bovey Tracey.
When the Conservative Club closed, Victor moved to the Century Club in Newton Abbot.
Golf replaced cricket as an outdoor enthusiasm and Victor joined the club at Stover.
Another enthusiasm was writing letters to the papers – local and national – on topical subjects.
“Victor was very interested in a many issues and always tried to find the positive in them when he wrote to the papers,” said Austin.
Victor Coombes never married, preferring the life of a bachelor.
He kept fit by walking, the route from Bovey Tracey to Lustleigh was a favourite, and was hale and heart until a month before he died.
His funeral took place at Torquay Crematorium. A retiring collection was made on behalf of Rowcroft Hospice.
