Cricket legends gathered to honor the late Dickie Bird as his funeral procession wound through the streets of Barnsley, Yorkshire. The cortege paused at a statue erected in his honor, where notable figures like Sir Geoffrey Boycott, 84, and former England captain Michael Vaughan, 50, paid their respects despite the challenging weather conditions following Dickie’s passing on September 22 at 92.
Inside St Mary’s Church, Sir Geoffrey reminisced about his long friendship with Dickie, recalling their first meeting when he was just 15 playing cricket for Hemsworth Grammar School. He shared anecdotes of their time together, highlighting Dickie’s transition from nervy batsman to esteemed umpire known for his quirky yet fair demeanor.
The service featured a poem by Barnsley poet Ian McMillan and concluded with Frank Sinatra’s “My Way” as Dickie’s coffin left the church. Mourners from the sports world, including Martyn Moxon and Colin Graves, as well as political representatives like Richard Caborn and Stephanie Peacock, gathered to celebrate Dickie’s life, which will be further commemorated at a private gathering in Barnsley Town Hall.
Born in Barnsley in 1933, Dickie’s cricketing journey from Yorkshire to Leicestershire was eclipsed by his renowned umpiring career. Remembered for his pride in his Barnsley roots, Dickie’s funeral reflected his wishes, with Major David Matthews playing “Land of Hope and Glory,” a choice Dickie would have appreciated.
Rev Phil Maries shared that Dickie had meticulously planned his own funeral, emphasizing his coal miner heritage from Barnsley and the global recognition he brought to the town. Fond memories of Dickie’s approachable nature and humor resonated with attendees, showcasing his lasting impact.
Amidst the anecdotes, Chris Edmondson and Colin Graves shared humorous tales of Dickie’s eccentricities and generosity, highlighting his philanthropic endeavors that touched the lives of numerous children, including future cricket star Harry Brook.
Dickie Bird’s legacy lives on in the hearts of those who knew him, a beloved figure who left an indelible mark on the world of cricket and beyond.