Television icon and Barnsley-born, Michael

Parkinson sadly passed away this week, aged 88, but many may not be aware that he was an honorary vice president at Wakefield Trinity between 1988 and 2000.

Actor, Richard Harris had become the club president and ‘Parky’ joined Mort Shuman, Willis  Hall and Adam Faith in an eclectic bunch of stars as vice presidents. Shuman, Hall and ‘Parky’ were all guests of the club for the visit of Wigan in September 1988 and ‘Parky’ continued in the role for the next twelve years.

He became famous for his ‘Parkinson’ television show which ran on the BBC from 1971-81 and brought back from 1998-2004, with an ITV show in between from 1987-88 and 2004-07. He featured some of the legends of the day from sport to television to music from Muhammad Ali to George Best, John Wayne to Clint Eastwood and Billy Connolly to Paul McCartney

Cricket always appeared to be his first sport love but he was always a welcomed guest at Belle Vue in the 1980s and 1990s.

The club’s thoughts are with his family at this time.