Parky and Dickie Bird become Huddersfield Uni ‘doctors’

Nov 18 2008 by Joanne Douglas, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

dickie bird, patrick stewart, michael parkinson

THREE top Tykes got together for a joyous celebration.

Chat show legend Michael Parkinson and cricket umpire Dickie Bird joined forces with Mirfield-born actor Patrick Stewart for a graduation parade from the University of Huddersfield.

Michael Parkinson, 73, best known to fans as Parky, and Dickie Bird, 75, were both presented with the title of Honorary Doctor of Letters by the university.

The ceremony took place at the Barnsley campus of Huddersfield University yesterday before the celebrations switched to Huddersfield last night for a glittering reception in their honour.

Patrick Stewart, in his role as Chancellor of the university, conferred the titles upon Sir Michael and Dickie Bird.

Stewart: “We are delighted that Sir Michael and Dickie have been able to be part of our graduation procession and ceremony, and it has been a great honour for the university and Barnsley to welcome them.

“We look forward to developing close working relationships with them in order to help our students achieve the very best in their academic careers.”