The Swardeston A team from 1985, with Brian Bird, in the back row, first left. The team had just won that season’s Norfolk Junior Cup. Back row, left to right: Brian Bird, Paul Quantrill, Stuart Bartram, Adrian Jay, Ian Hagon, John Bobbin. Front row, left to right: Tony Quantrill, Graham Tufts, Chris Read, Andrew Collins, Bob Read.
It is with great sadness we report the death of one of the key figures in Swardeston’s history and development.
Brian Bird was our secretary for 21 years until the mid 1990s and along with his wife Annabel was one of only three honorary life members of the club.
Brian died peacefully at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital surrounded by his family, on Thursday, 11 June, aged 77.
The thoughts of all at the club go to Annabel and the family at this time.
Swardeston chairman Mark Taylor said: “Anyone involved with Swardeston knows the important role Brian played both as a player and committee member over many years. He remained a dedicated and passionate supporter of the club and it was always a pleasure to see him in recent years at The Common, cheering the team on. Our condolences go to all the family.”
Brian was a key player for the club for many seasons where he acquired the nickname ‘Buzzard’, but it was also his work off the field which helped lay the foundations for the ongoing successful development of the club.
When his playing days ended at Swardeston, Brian played for St Andrew’s in the Norfolk Cricket League for 1988-1990 where he was fondly remembered.
A minute’s silence was held for Brian ahead of Saturday’s EAPL game against Great Witchingham at The Common. This followed a tribute to Brian from club captain Peter Thomas.
Brian’s funeral service will take place at St Faith’s Crematorium on Thursday, 2 July, 2015 at 11.45 am.
Family flowers only, however donations may be given with cheques made payable to Asthma UK and sent c/o Ivan Fisher Funeral Home, 17 Park Drive, Hethersett, Norwich NR9 3EN.
Brian watches on as Bob Read bowls the final Rollesby batsman to claim victory in the Norfolk Junior Cup final in 1985. Rollesby were all out for 81, chasing Swardeston A’s 98-7. Years later Brian and Bob would prove a formidable double act as well off the pitch, as secretary and chairman of the club for many years.
A typical photo of Brian taking a catch standing up to the wicket in the 1985 Norfolk Junior Cup final victory over Rollesby, this time off the bowling of Stuart Bartram. Anyone who remembers seeing Brian play would remember that standing up to many bowlers was one of the key strengths of his wicketkeeping.
Brian dives to his right to complete the stop off the bowling of Paul Quantrill during the 1985 Norfolk Junior Cup victory over Rollesby.
