Devon LTA is sad to report the passing of John Barter.
John, a former Devon LTA Councillor and Men's Team Captain, contributed hugely to the County in the 1980s and 90s.
Having been a Council memeber for some years, he was asked to take over the Men's Team in 1988. At that time Devon wallowed in the lowly regions of Division 7. John, who was working in Exeter, negotiated time off to travel each day to Minehead to manage the team. having failed to win a match, John knew there was work to be done and put his energies into building a team.
The following year, still in Division 7, Devon won and gained promotion. From that year on Devon won each year moving from division 7 to division 1 in consecutive years until in 1995 they became overall champions by winning division 1.
John, always known by the players as JB, felt he should step down but the team persuaded him otherwise and they capped their achievement by winning again in 1996.
Much is owed to John by Devon LTA and by the players he brought on to full potential during his time as captain.
We send our condolences to John's family.