Happy 90th Dickie Bird! Legendary umpire hailed as the ‘soul of cricket’ by friend and television legend Sir Michael Parkinson… as 230 visitors go to birthday celebration at Headingley
- Legendary umpire Bird enjoyed his go back to Headingley on Wednesday
- Former BBC talk program host Parkinson was among 230 visitors at birthday celebration
- Ex-ECB and Yorkshire chair Graves and Baroness Grey-Thompson likewise went to
Sir Michael Parkinson hailed Dickie Bird as the ‘soul of cricket’ as the famous umpire commemorated his 90th birthday at Headingley on Wednesday.
The previous BBC talk program host was among 230 visitors who signed up with Bird for an unique lunch in the Howard Suite at Yorkshire’s head office to mark his turning point.
‘I was in hospital three weeks ago but I was determined to be here because he is my oldest friend,’ said 88-year-old Parky, who utilized to play cricket with Bird at Barnsley.
‘He is an extraordinary human being. He is one of the most remarkable men I have ever met. And he is the soul of cricket. I am proud to call him a mate.’
Former ECB and Yorkshire chair Colin Graves, the county’s interim chair Baroness Grey-Thompson, ex-Yorkshire captain Steve Patterson and previous England spinner Jack Birkenshaw likewise went to the lunch.
‘Ninety not out — it’s a good age!’ Bird informed Mail Sport.
‘I’ll attempt to go on longer now. Get to 95. A hundred is a huge haul however I’ll be attempting!
‘I’ve delighted in the day quite. I would have actually liked to have gone round all individuals and thanked them separately for coming.
‘I was so delighted to see Parky because he’s been my friend all these years. I was so grateful that he came.’
