Chronicle chief reporter JACK TOLSON takes a look back through the archives to July 2009
TEARS FROM DICKIE AS HIS STATUE IS UNVEILED
DICKIE Bird broke down in tears when he was unveiling his £70,000 bronze statue this week.
The retired Test umpire was saying it was a special day for him because the statue was on the site of his childhood home where he was born in 1933.
As he struggled with his emotions and words, there were cries of ‘come on Dickie’ and ‘here we go’.
He said that he had been awake since 3am that day and was a ‘bag of nerves’.
Umpiring a tense cricket match in India with 125,000 spectators was not as nerve-wracking as unveiling a statue in his home town, he said.
More than 200 guests and spectators gathered in Church Lane to watch the ceremony and there were cheers and a round of applause when he finished his speech.
Dickie was there for four hours and that illustrated he was committed to the town.
He said: “I was close to my father and I became emotional when I mentioned him in my speech.
“But this has been a very special day.
“I have already had messages of goodwill from all over the world and the people in Barnsley have been marvellous.”
LACKA to perform for X-Factor panel
BARNSLEY beauties LACKA are hoping to win over Simon Cowell when they audition for the X-Factor on Sunday.
The five sung through two rounds of auditions before reaching the celebrity judging panels.
Cassie Goodliffe, 19, Alicia Taylor, 16, Leanne Parker, 21, Kerry-Jo Horbury, 24, and Amy Davidson, 16, only formed in September.
Leanne, who plays Cheryl Cole in their Girls Aloud tribute act, said she can’t wait to meet her.
She added: “I think she’ll like us, especially when we tell her what we do.
“She’s inspirational to all women.”
But the group will not only have the panel to impress now the show has a live audience.
“We’ve got to sing in front of almost 4,000 people which is a bit scary but we are very excited,” said Alicia.
CORRIE STAR GETS A ‘KIRK OUT’...
CORONATION Street actor Andrew Whyment was in Barnsley last weekend to help launch the M Zone fitness facility.
The Corrie star, who plays Kirk Sutherland, attended the launch along with Barnsley girl group The Poppi Chix, DJs and a youth dance act.
The M Zone at the Metrodome gives young people in Barnsley something to do on Friday and Saturday nights.
Facilities include fitness equipment, an internet cafe and a chill-out area.
