Out... for a celebration as pub renamed in Dickie Bird’s honour

The former Druids Arms in Thwaites Brow, Keighley, went on the market earlier this year and was bought by local company Mood Pubs which decided to look for a new identity for the venture.

Mood Pubs owner Peter Mason said the pub had a long association with Long Lee Cricket Club, which has its home ground behind the premises, and members had suggested making the connection.

Mr Mason added: “The association goes back almost a century, but when we took the pub over it was failing and we wanted to link it back with the community and the team.

“I think Dickie was really chuffed to have a pub named after him and he was pleased to meet the team and talk about their history.”

During his visit Dickie met the Long Lee club’s president, Arthur Bailey, who is 101, and members of the team who had turned out to welcome him dressed in club ties.

Dickie said: “I have had racehorses named after me in the past, and there is a statue of me in Barnsley town centre.

“But when the company phoned me up and said could they name the pub after me I was amazed.

“The pub sign shows a cricketer and then there is my name on the wall outside in big letters, which was actually a bit of a shock. It made me feel very, very humbled indeed.

“It was lovely to meet the president, and all the players made me feel very welcome. I wish them all luck in making it a success.”

[email protected]