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.”
Parky and Dickie led 70 students through their graduation course at the Barnsley campus and were joined by the Skelmanthorpe Brass Band.
Sir Michael Parkinson said he was delighted with the accolade, adding: “It means a great deal to be part of the procession and ceremony in my home town and it has been a real privilege.
“It has been a fantastic day, made even more special by being able to share it with Dickie, a lifelong friend of mine.”
Cricket umpire Dickie Bird added: “Being conferred Honorary Doctor of Letters today is a true honour for me, and to be part of the ceremony and procession in my beloved home town has made it even more special.
“Michael and I have been friends for many years and meeting up to share this day together has been fantastic.
“The University of Huddersfield is an outstanding educational institute and I look forward to working closely with the students and staff in the future.”
The two men met in the mid-1950s when they played for the same cricket team along with Geoffrey Boycott.
Dickie went on to become one of the world’s leading cricket umpires while Parky entertained millions interviewing stars such as Muhammad Ali and Fred Astaire.
Huddersfield University also presented awards to QC Baroness Helena Kennedy, a leading legal professional who acted in many prominent cases including the Brighton bombing trial and the Guildford Four appeal, as well as composer Denis Smalley.
