LEGENDARY retired cricket umpire Dickie Bird was thrilled to receive a special card from the Queen.
Dickie, who will turn 89 in April, had written to Queen Elizabeth II regarding her upcoming 70th jubilee this year and was overjoyed to receive a ‘beautiful’ card in response.
“It’s an absolutely magnificent card,” said Dickie.
“It has gold around it and there are two very nice photos of her on it - it means such a lot to me.
“I’ve met the Queen 29 times, and even had lunch with her at Buckingham Palace back in 1990 - just the Queen and I - it was the greatest occasion of my life.
“I’m going to frame the card and put it up with the others I’ve had over the years.”
Dickie also shared how he felt connected to the Queen as he had stayed at the same Kenya hotel she had done when she was told her father, King George VI, had died.
We have been at the heart of our community, every week, since 1858. The town and its people have changed dramatically since then but the Chronicle has been a constant.
It’s our belief that news should be available to everyone regardless of their circumstance. But we need a little helping hand to do so.
Production Editor, Ashley Ball, said: "In an ever changing media world, it’s important that news is reported correctly and without any hidden agenda.
Your support allows us to keep holding decision-makers to account and report on everything that happens in the town, good or bad, fairly."
