Yorkshire's Committee with sponsorship from Next plc honoured two of the great Yorkshire and England Cricketers Fred Trueman and Brian Close at a special 70th birthday party at the Hollins Hall Hotel and Country Club in Baildon last week.

Guests included Bob Appleyard and Dickie Bird along with Yorkshire's President Robin Smith, Chairman Keith Moss, Committee Members, Vice-Presidents and Honorary Life Members. Committee Member Geoff Cope proposed the toast, which drew warm and nostalgic responses from the two great men.

David Jones, Chief Executive of Next who sponsored the event said, " It was wonderful to hear and feel the passion of two great Yorkshire stalwarts and Next was particularly pleased to have sponsored the evening".

President Robin Smith re-presented the silver tea service (presented to him by YCCC for his record test wicket haul in 1964) which had been purchased at the recent auction by Next whilst Brian Close received an autographed copy of MCC's Conversation piece which featured both players along with other great cricketers of their era. Personal messages of support were received from former Prime Minister John Major and HRH Duchess of Kent whose father was Captain and President of Yorkshire. The assembled gathering also presented cheques and Yorkshire Tea hampers to the duo.

Ends- 15/3/01

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