23/09/2025
Dickie Bird. R.I.P.
Back in the late 1960's Dickie Bird had finished his playing career with Yorkshire and Leicestershire. He was then earning a modest living by coaching at Blundells School and also as the "Pro" for Paignton Cricket Club.
The Heffle Cuckoos were on their 21st Tour of Devon (we are now up to 78 Tours). Although most players were drawn from Club and Village teams we were fortunate to have the services of Bob Gale on 14 Tours (ex opening bat for Middlesex) and J J Warr of Middlesex and England.
Paignton would take the hat round the ground if Dickie reached a half century. The problem was that he rarely scored quickly and many potential donors had returned to their Hotels and Boarding Houses before he reached this milestone!
Whilst playing for Paignton against the Cuckoos, Bob and JJ (who knew Dickie from his days of County Cricket), suggested that Dikie should consider umpiring and applying for the First Class list.
That Autumn he submitted an application, was accepted and the rest is history.
One other memory of Dickie playing against the "Cuckoos" is of an innings he played on a poor pitch which resulted him being hit on the head by our opening bowler, Ralph Staniland.
You will not be surprised that Dickie slumped to the ground in much drama (no helmets in those days) and was taken to Torbay General.
That evening several Cuckoos went to visit him in hospital and were rather alarmed to be told by the Ward Sister that they would have to wait as the local Padre was in attendance with Mr Bird.
Was he being given the last rites?
Fortunately when the Cuckoos were allowed in they were relieved to see that Dickie was sharing a drink with the Padre!
During his many years as a First Class Umpire, Dickie would always spend a week in Torbay at the end of the Season staying with his friend, John Perry, owner of the Livermead Cliff Hotel. The Cuckoos stayed at the same Hotel for around 20 years and John Perry became a good friend to us. For those with a long memory he was also Peter May's best man.
Happy days
Graeme Hall.
