TRIBUTES have been paid across the town to Barnsley’s own Dickie Bird who has died, aged 92, with the football club planning a minute’s applause ahead of tonight’s match at Oakwell.
Jon Flatman, Barnsley FC Chief Executive Officer, said: “Barnsley has today lost a legend of the sporting world. Dickie had an incredible life, and Barnsley, as a town and football club, meant a lot to him.
“He was defiantly passionate about his roots here in Barnsley and his journey, which led him to become one of the most famous cricket umpires in the world. All of our thoughts at the club go to Dickie’s family and those closest to him at this difficult time.”
The club said it will pay tribute to Dickie ahead of this evening’s fixture against Brighton & Hove Albion with a minute’s applause with its statement ending: “Once a Red, Always a Red. Rest in peace, Dickie”.
And Barnsley Hospital Charity, which Dickie massively supported over the years, has also paid a heartfelt tribute.
“We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Dickie Bird OBE, a true legend and friend of Barnsley Hospital Charity. Dickie’s unwavering support for our Tiny Hearts Appeal reached an extraordinary milestone when he donated a staggering £100,000, helping us cross the £1million target to support our state-of-the-art neonatal unit for premature babies.
“At our Valentine’s Day celebration in 2020, Dickie said: ‘The reason I have given £100,000 is simply because I don’t think it could go to a better cause… When I’ve seen little babies that are so poorly… I’ve had tears in my eyes and a lump in my throat. It brings me so much pleasure to see these same babies growing up fit and well’.
“Dickie was not only a generous donor, but also our greatest ambassador, a kind-hearted gentleman who made a lasting difference to thousands of tiny lives in his hometown of Barnsley.”
Jane Mills, the charity’s Development Manager, said: “Dickie will be very sadly missed, but his legacy will live on through the support he has given to so many tiny lives. Our thoughts are with Dickie’s family, friends, and all who loved him during this difficult time. Rest in peace, Dickie. Your kindness lives on in every tiny heartbeat.”
Dickie, who was awarded the Freedom of the Borough of Barnsley in 2000 is honoured in Barnsley with a six-foot statue in the centre of town created by Barnsley’s own famous sculptor and friend of Dickie, Graham Ibbeson.
Mayor of Barnsley Councillor Dave Leech said: “Dickie was a global sporting icon, a wonderful ambassador for Barnsley, and a friend to anyone he met.
“He was rightly awarded Freedom of the Borough of Barnsley which is a role I know he cherished. He would always attend Civic events whenever he could, including Remembrance Sunday and commemorations of historical events and battles, military parades, the annual Proud of Barnsley Awards, and any event where he could enjoy the company of Barnsley people.
“He attended my Mayor Making ceremony in May, where he was in fine spirits and everyone made a beeline to speak to him.
“I’m grateful to Dickie for all he’s done for Barnsley, especially the generous support he has given to many charities, including Barnsley Hospital's Tiny Hearts Appeal, which raised funds for a new neonatal unit.
“My heartfelt condolences go out to his family and friends.”
Dickie’s sister, Marjorie Wyatt, said: “Dickie was always proud of putting Barnsley on the map – he was Barnsley through and through.
“He was very caring and used to bring us home souvenirs.
“I would wash his cricket whites and his famous white flat cap, and he always appreciated that they would be immaculate and he would be turned out the best.
“What I will remember most about him was that he was always good at making decisions!”
A council spokesperson said: “Dickie became a national treasure, known not only for his umpiring excellence but also for his eccentricities and warmth. His autobiography sold over a million copies, and he remained a cherished figure in British sport and culture throughout his life. “
He received an MBE in 1986 and was later awarded an OBE in 2012 for services to cricket and to charity.
Dickie set up the Dickie Bird Foundation with the aim of helping financially disadvantaged young people to participate in sport and fulfil their ambitions.
In 2014, he was named President of Yorkshire County Cricket Club, a role he held with pride and distinction. He also received honorary doctorates from Huddersfield, Leeds and Sheffield Hallam Universities and an honorary fellowship of Bradford College.
Dickie was awarded the Freedom of Barnsley in 2000 “in recognition of the success he has achieved locally, nationally and internationally in his chosen and lifelong commitment to cricket and the pleasure and honour this has given to the community, and in particular for his consistent endeavours in promoting the image of, and acting as a world-wide ambassador for, the borough.”
Dickie never married, often saying he had wed himself to cricket.
