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My Yorkshire: Harold 'Dickie' Bird
Harold 'Dickie' Bird MBE, Barnsley-born cricketer and international umpire, now retired. Businessmen have pledged £50,000 for a bronze statue of him in his home town.
What's your first memory of being outdoors?
Going in the back garden and playing football or cricket with my father, James Harold. He was a coal miner. We'd play with a tennis ball and he bought me a miniature cricket bat.
What's your favourite part of the county and why?
The East Coast of Yorkshire. I've been all over the world and I've seen nowhere nicer, although there are some parts of New Zealand that are very special. I always go to the East Coast when I want to go for a break. I've some wonderful memories of playing at Scarborough with Barnsley in the Yorkshire League and with Yorkshire, of course.
What's your idea of a perfect weekend/day out in Yorkshire?
Going to the East Coast and walking for miles at the water's edge. Then going to a nice restaurant in the evening for a meal and a glass of red wine. In Scarborough, I like the Lanterna and Caf Fish at the top of the town near Debenhams. I like fresh sardines and they will get them fresh for me if they know I'm coming in.
Do you have a favourite walk, or view?
My favourite view is from the Esplanade at Scarborough, walking towards the clock tower. I've stood there many a time for half an hour overlooking the bay and the harbour. It's out of this world.
Which Yorkshire sportsman/woman (past or present) would you like to take for lunch?
Len Hutton. I was coming up as a young man at Yorkshire when he was there. He was one of the best players that ever lived.
Which Yorkshire stage or screen star (past or present) would you like to take for lunch?
Judi Dench.
If you had to name your Yorkshire hidden gem, what would it be?
I think I'd say that part of the country around Whitby and Robin Hood's Bay.
What do you think gives Yorkshire its unique identity?
I go all over the world and wherever I go people say to me that Yorkshire people are wonderful people because of their friendship and hospitality. Whatever they have to say, they'll tell you straight to your face, no going behind your back. There's no-one in the world like them for honesty.
What about Yorkshire's cultural life?
I like light opera – the sort of thing that Katherine Jenkins does although Barbra Streisand is the greatest professional artist ever. I've been invited to the Grand Theatre in Leeds when it re-opens after the work is finished there and I'm looking forward to that.
Do you have a favourite Yorkshire author or artist?
I like Graham Ibbeson, the sculptor who comes from Barnsley. (One of his most recent works was of Fred Trueman in full flow).
Do you have a favourite restaurant or pub?
The Talbot in Staincross where I live. You've got to have a good appetite when you go there. I also like to eat at Brooklands in Barnsley and the Three Acres at Emley.
Do you have a favourite food shop?
I go to Burkinshaw's butchers in Staincross for my meat. There's another Burkinshaw's in the village – they're nothing to do with each other – where they do home-made bread and cakes. They are out of this world. I also like Asda because I can park my car.
How do you think Yorkshire has changed in your time and are those changes for the better?
Times have changed everywhere. We've got computers and electronic aids to help us but I feel there is more hassle now than there's ever been. If you make a phone call, it's "press this button, press that button". I can't see where times are better – although Yorkshire is a great county without a shadow of a doubt. I wouldn't live anywhere else.
Who is the Yorkshire man or woman you most admire?
William Wilberforce.
How has Yorkshire influenced your work?
Yorkshire has had a huge influence on my career because I've always had the support of Yorkshire people. I'm so grateful for that.
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Weather for Yorkshire
Tuesday 07 February 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: -8 C to 2 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: South east
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: -5 C to 0 C
Wind Speed: 7 mph
Wind direction: South
