Dickie Bird: Cricket Player

Dickie played in the famous Yorkshire side of the late fifties & early sixties; coming across characters such as Geoff Boycott and Fred Trueman, and his hilarious after dinner speech contains many stories of the two men. Dickie is a born and bred Yorkshire man and played for Barnsley in his youth; along with Boycott and an opening batsman called Michael Parkinson, who went on to make his own name outside cricket.

Dickie Bird: Cricket Umpire

After retiring from playing Dickie became an umpire, officiating in his first international in 1973. The famous Lords test had a bomb scare and the crowd came onto the pitch; all Dickie could do is sit on the covers and protect his beloved wicket from damage. Almost immediately he made his mark without trying. He umpired at over 150 international matches making him well known across the globe. Just how well known, can be judged by the fact that his autobiography ‘Dickie Bird’; is currently the best selling sports biography of ALL time.

Stories To Tell

Nearly every pro cricketer who has come across him has a Dickie Bird story to tell. His personal mannerisms, love of the game and above all the respect of the players; have made him a very popular character. He was awarded the MBE by the queen; for services to cricket and remains a popular supporter of the Royal Family.

Having now retired from umpiring, Dickie is in huge demand to speak at dinners and indeed lunches; where he regales and delights his audiences.