A belter of an exhibition is batted into Experience Barnsley

Visitors were bowled over by the latest free exhibition to arrive at Experience Barnsley. ‘Dickie Bird: My Life in Cricket’ celebrates the life, times and achievements of one Yorkshire’s most famous sportsmen.

On display for the first time, between Saturday 18 February and Sunday 14 May, is a selection of Dickie’s personal objects as well as a new film about his life. The exhibition charts his story from early days as the footballing son of a miner to becoming the world’s most famous cricket umpire.

A sporting legend, Dickie Bird has had an extraordinary life which has included playing cricket for Yorkshire and Leicestershire and umpiring 66 test matches. Throughout his career he has amassed many successes and humorous stories along the way.

At the exhibition, which can be enjoyed by both cricket novices and enthusiasts, people will also discover more about the game. There will be an opportunity to learn the rules of the game, the many hand signals used, discover what Dickie kept in his umpire bag, as well as a visit to dressing room to try on some cricket kit.

Cllr Roy Miller, Cabinet Spokesperson for Place, said: “When thinking about cricket you inevitably think about one of the sport’s best loved characters, ‘Dickie Bird’. Born and raised in Barnsley, Dickie has not only achieved great things in his career he has also been a great supporter of the town. For this reason there is no better place to host this fascinating exhibition than in our very own Experience Barnsley.”