The cricketing world – and beyond – has paid tribute this week after the death at 92 of national treasure Dickie Bird.
The popular umpire was respected, admired and loved in equal measures hence the response from those that played the game professionally or were just cricket enthusiasts.
One Cumbrian who knew Dickie from his time as a pro cricketer with Surrey was Graham Monkhouse, of Langwathby.
Graham, now 71, was the first Cumberland-born player to appear in County Championship cricket.
He also completed a unique doubly by also playing in the Football League.
Graham made his senior debut for Surrey in 1981 and soon after played at The Oval when Dickie was one of the umpires.
He recalls: “Dickie had heard I was from Cumberland and he was very interested in my cricketing background – how I had ended up at Surrey.
“So we had chats at square leg or when a wicket fell. He seemed genuinely interested in how I had found my way to the Championship.
“He really was a nice guy and I remember him asking what I thought of The Oval.
“In those days the outfield was a lot bigger than it is now and it was often possible to run four.
“He said to me that it was like umpiring on Ilkley Moor!
“On the circuit Dickie was known as a not outer because he didn’t like giving lbw decisions, but he was highly regarded and respected throughout the game.
“I actually saw him for the last time at Scarborough in 2024 and had a brief chat. He was a regular there while at Headingley the Yorkshire county club used to send a car for him to attend the matches where he had his own special seat.”
Graham had six years in the Surrey first team, playing75 first class matches, scoring 1,158 runs and taking 173 wickets.
He had a top score of 100 not out and best bowling of 7-51.
As a promising goalkeeper he signed for Workington Reds under Alan Ashman and played four Fourth Division games in their final season of league football – 1976/77.
He has the distinction of being in goal for Reds only away win that season (3-0 at Rochdale) and their last victory in the Football League, even though they played a further 13 games.
Football and cricket are just memories now but Graham is still a keen and capable golfer.
