Glamorgan Cricket is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Jeff Bird, a stalwart of Cowbridge CC, a former Committee member of Glamorgan Cricket for 28 years and a long standing Board member of Cricket Wales.
Jeff was a Cowbridge man through and through, with his family being prominent figures in the business, social and sporting world of the market town in the Vale of Glamorgan. Born in Cowbridge in December 1957, he was educated at the town’s Grammar School before attending Emmanuel College, Cambridge and the University of Edinburgh, prior to joining the family’s well-known garden equipment and horticultural business
Jeff followed in the footsteps of his father, and grandfather, by playing cricket for Cowbridge from his early teens, and his prowess as a right-handed batsman and leg spin bowler saw him captain the Edinburgh University 1st XI, besides representing Cambridge Crusaders, as well as featuring in Glamorgan’ s Club and Ground XI and Under-25 XI between 1982 and 1984.
Jeff also captained Cowbridge CC with great distinction, besides serving as the Club’s energetic Chair and latterly their President, besides overseeing a number of enhancements at the club’s attractive ground.
As well as his distinguished service on the committee of Glamorgan CCC, and the board of Cricket Wales, he played an important role in mentoring and supporting the Cardiff MCC Universities scheme and building a strong partnership between that programme and the County Club.
Jeff was also a passionate supporter of National Hunt and point-to-point racing, besides owning a number of successful racehorses. He was also the brother-in-law of John Tudor, a leading figure in the racing and hunting scene in South Wales, whilst his nephew Jack is one of the up-and-coming young jockeys in the world of steeple-chasing, with his successes – much to the delight of Jeff and his wife – including winning the Welsh Grand National at Chepstow in December 2019 on Potter’s Corner.
On hearing of Jeff’s passing, Hugh Morris, CEO of Glamorgan and a long-standing friend of Jeff, said; “I am deeply shocked and saddened to learn of the passing of Jeff. We began our cricket careers together at Cowbridge Cricket Club 50 years ago and his subsequent contribution to a game he loved so dearly has been remarkable.
“Jeff was simply Mr Cowbridge Cricket and he was so proud of the achievements of his beloved Club on and off the field in recent years. He delighted in informing me of player performances, team results and new developments at a club which has thrived under his watchful eye and leadership.
“Whilst Jeff’s contribution to Cowbridge Cricket Club was immeasurable, his passion and commitment for cricket across Wales was immense. He was a valued and hugely popular Board member of both Glamorgan CCC and Cricket Wales for many years and always championed the grassroots of our sport.
“Jeff Bird was a true gentleman, a great cricket man and a friend to so many across our sport. He will be sadly missed and our deepest sympathies and thoughts are with his family at this most difficult of times.”