The Twelfth Man 2019

Editorial A nother year passes and our wonderful Society continues to provide a really good way for crick- et lovers to pass what we always regarded as the ‘close season’. Having said that though, cricket now seems to be continuing somewhere in the world all the time and our cricketers fly around playing this strange white ball game and incidentally making them rich. Oh my, how the game has changed since I and many of our members looked forward to April when we had a full season ahead of us. Now we have an initial ration of Championship matches before there comes a break for a variety of one day matches. Once again I must record my gratitude to all for con- tinuing to do me the great honour of serving you as President, an office I will continue to value in spite of advancing years. Sadly, as I look back there have been times when illness has caused me to miss some meet- ings on the fascinating list of speakers. James Greenfield continues to be a tower of strength as Chairman with Jack Tunnicliffe as a first class deputy when occasionally called on to stand in. (I am particu- larly grateful to Jack for calling for me on his way from Wakefield). Chris Barron, our new Secretary and An- drew Jones, his keen young assistant have been most efficient in allowing Mick Pope to relax after a lifetime of devoted service. His name will forever be coupled with that of Jack Sokell in the story of the Society. Brian Sanderson, our Treasurer has proved to be an expert at balancing the books. The experiment of holding a number of afternoon meet- ings, has proved to be well worth pursuing, I believe. It is heartening for our visiting speakers to see a full meeting room. I am aware this can be a concern for those of our members in full time employment, but perhaps good for members who struggle in the dark, on cold winter eve- nings. I am aware our committee are trying to reach a balance. When one becomes an octogenarian, one is often look- ing back and while members will know Norman Hazell is a dedicated diarist, he surprised me recently, telling me had found a report of a match at Shaw Lane in summer 1949 (i.e. seventy years ago). Barnsley Boys, in whose team they had an H.D.Bird and an M.Parkinson, beat Wakefield Boys, with an N.Hazell, who got a duck and no wicket. In those days, City boys’ teams travelled around the County, always playing with the benefit of a captain/ coach included. Wakefield’s in that match was a 1st Xl batsman, John Gibson who died in January falling just short of another century - he was 95. Dickie Bird A MESSAGE FROM OUR PRESIDENT, DICKIE BIRD Society President Dickie Bird in his garden with Norman Hazell