Sheffield Cricket Lovers' Society Year Book 2026

17 Parky Jnr on ‘worrier’ Dickie When world renowned cricket umpire Dickie Bird died, aged 92, earlier this year it provoked an outpouring of memories and anecdotes. His close friendship with childhood pal, TV broadcaster and former Sheffield Cricket Lovers’ Society President, Michael Parkinson, was well-known. Michael’s son, Mike visited us a couple of years ago and shares an amusing memory… “All through his life Dickie was a terrible worrier and full of these terrible mishaps. One day he was so nervous - he managed to accidentally strap his pads together, so when he stood up, he fell over on his face! “Even worse was when he tried to cut grapes from the vine but caused them to ‘explode off the bunch’ at a private lunch with Queen Elizabeth II. They hit the Queen and fell on the floor and Dickie thought ‘That’s it, I’m going to the Tower”. “But the Queen said, ‘Don’t worry, it’s alright, the corgis will sort that out.’ Lo and behold, the door opened, the corgis came in and Dickie watched as they polished them off!” At the back end of March earlier this year, member Frank Kirkham shared this story and photograph with us for members to enjoy, and perhaps for others to subsequently share theirs. It is an email to Don Root about his grandson - Joe ‘somebody or other’ - after a lovely chance meeting in Millhouses Park. “My son Mark regularly does the Millhouses Park Run with Robert, his sighted friend from their sixth-form days at Tapton. “You can imagine Mark’s delight when your wonderful Joe gave some of his time to run a short way with Mark this morning. Unfortunately, Mark’s hearing-aid was not working due to sweat after the run, but Joe showed plenty of his world-renowned infinite patience while this photo was taken. “I don’t know whether Joe knew that he was giving enormous pleasure to a keen Yorkshire and England supporter! However, he deserves great credit for this brief moment of PR, as do his sponsors Vitality for enabling it to happen.” Sadly departed… 2025 15 Feb Former committee member Mick Gibson’s wife, Kath, who often attended SCLS functions. 16 Feb Paul Robinson One of our younger members who lost his life far too early, owing to illness. 22 Aug Bill Smith , a Life Member and well known to many of us. 23 Sept Dickie Bird MBE OBE Occasionally at SCLS events Joe and Mark on the run