Dickie's doodle and Parky's poodles draw attention to Epilepsy Action

The world's most popular Yorkshireman, Dickie Bird OBE, broadcaster Michael Parkinson and one of the stars of the new Dad's Army film, Sir Tom Courtenay are among the celebrities who have been doodling to raise money for a national charity.
By The Newsroom
Published 4th Feb 2016, 15:49 BST
Updated 4th Feb 2016, 15:54 BST
Doodle by Sir Michael ParkinsonDoodle by Sir Michael Parkinson
Doodle by Sir Michael Parkinson

National Doodle Day takes place tomorrow (Friday February 5) when a star-sprinkled collection of of scribbles by famous faces will be auctioned on behalf of Epilepsy Action.

Mr Bird, the president of Yorkshire County Cricket Club, has drawn on his sporting past to sketch a cricket ball over a pair of crossed cricket bats in what could be the former umpire’s coat of arms.

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His lifelong friend, Sir Michael has scribbled a light-hearted image of two poodles which is accompanied by a short note saying: “Lets have a National Poodle Doodle Day! Why not they are such curious creatures and worth a mention. Why not a poodle doodle pop song? A poem about why we should celebrate our poodles with lots of doodles!”

Doodle by Sir Tom CourtenayDoodle by Sir Tom Courtenay
Doodle by Sir Tom Courtenay

According to graphologist Peter West, ‘Parky’s’ doodle suggests the Cudworth-born journalist and chat-show host “is fairly well-balanced socially. As long as things are on his terms he is reasonably flexible, but perhaps not as relaxed as he could be in day-to-day life.

“Slightly more emotional than most. Some inner tension likely; sharp-tongued and doesn’t suffer fools.”

Hull-born Sir Tom, who plays Lance Corporal Jones in Dad’s Army, which is also released on Friday, has submitted a doodle of a well-built man sporting a broad smile.

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Doodles from nearly 100 well-known-names, who also include Lorraine Kelly, Rachel Atherton, Bernard Cribbins and Jon Snow, will be put up for a three-day auction on eBay starting Friday and ending on Sunday.

Doodle by umpire Dickie BirdDoodle by umpire Dickie Bird
Doodle by umpire Dickie Bird

Holly Rawling, resident doodler at Epilepsy Action, said: “Every year we are overwhelmed with doodle-tastic support from celebrities, and always look forward to seeing them all flooding in.

“National Doodle Day gives everyone a chance to get their hands on an original piece of art by their favourite celebrities.

“It also raises incredibly valuable funds for people affected by epilepsy all over the UK.”

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The charity is also encouraging people to “do a doodle, and donate” on Friday to help the cause along.

To make a donation visit the National Doodle Day website or text DOODLE to 70300. Messages will cost £3, plus the standard network charge.