Exeter's long-serving caterer Pearl Tipper has died aged 81
THOUSANDS of cricketers who played on the County Ground in Exeter enjoyed the lunches and teas created by Pearl Tipper, who has died aged 81.
Pearl and her late husband John were familiar figures at Exeter Cricket club from the early 1960s onwards. Pearl laid out her last cricket tea just two weeks ago during a pre-season game against Abbotskerswell.
Jon Tipper, the couple’s son, said he had been overwhelmed by messages from friends and cricketing rivals alike since his mother’s death.
“People have been getting in touch from clubs all over Devon and further afield with messages of condolence,” said Jon.
“It is really touching to know how highly people thought of my mum.”
Pearl Tipper was born in Exeter and educated at a convent school. She went to work in healthcare, firstly as a dental nurse then later in midwifery.
“That was mum all over, a caring person,” said Jon.
Pearl met husband-to-be David when moved to Exeter and started playing cricket for Exeter.
“My dad largely played second team cricket and when my mother realised she was in danger of becoming a sports widow she got involved with the club,” said Jon.
The couple married in 1968 and shortly afterwards moved to the United States, where David was a sales representative for the ecclesiastical outfitters J Wippell & Co Ltd.
The Tippers returned to the United Kingdom five years later and shortly afterwards Jon was born. He went on to play in the Exeter 1stXI for more than 20 years and had two stints as team captain.
After David stopped playing cricket on a regular basis he became Exeter’s first team scorer. From 1993 onwards the Tippers were a husband-and-wife team running the bar and the catering at the County Ground.
Cricket was almost a full-time occupation for the Tippers as the ground was the venue for games every Saturday, most Sundays and on numerous weekdays when touring sides and the Devon Dumplings used the facilities.
After David died in 2005, Pearl continued to run the catering at the club, aided by helpers who assisted with preparation and washing-up, especially during all-day county fixtures where lunches and teas were needed.
Exeter CC honoured Pearl by making her a life member for her services to the club.
Derek Taylor, the Exeter CC secretary, said the award was richly deserved.
“Pearl was a popular life member of the club, primarily due to her commitment running the bar in the old pavilion, together with her late husband David, and for being our caterer for more than 25 years to a high and popular standard for all visiting teams, officials, and supporters,” said Taylor.
The Devon Dumplings gave her their Silver Dumpling award in 2013 in recognition of the years she had catered for the club.
Pearl Tipper’s funeral will take place on Monday, May 20 at St James Church, Mount Pleasant Road, Exeter. A wake will be held at Exeter Cricket Club after the service.
