BIRKDALE NEWS
April 1992

New Stained Glass Window for Schierwater Room

The stained glass window that was designed and made by the children last term was unveiled at the school before Christmas. The window is dedicated to Mrs Tomkinson and shows many areas of interest to the school. It is placed above the main staircase leading from the entrance hall to the first landing.

This term a group of 4th and 5th year pupils started work on a  new project at the Cromwell Stained Glass Workshop in Southport. They have been making a circular stained glass window for the Schierwater Room. The design has a musical theme and has been produced by the 5th year pupils as part of their GCSE Art and Design examination. The window will be installed by the end of the current school year.

The Patter of Tiny Feet

Sarah Joll (nee Keane) and her husband Gareth had a baby girl on 27 February 1992. They have named her Rebecca.

David and Susan Sullivan (nee Heesom) have a baby girl, Louise Victoria, born early December 1991.

Susan Tinsley (nee Hall) is expecting early this summer.

Sports Day 1992

The annual Sports Day will be taking place on Saturday 23 May and former pupils are welcome to come along to this event. There will be some stalls during the sports to raise money for the school. The morning events begin at 10.30 and the afternoon session starts at 1.30.

Wordprocessed and All That!

After leaving Birkdale, Clare Skorupinska spent some time at college in Derbyshire. During her stay at college, Clare achieved her CPVE in Business Studies and RSA Wordprocessing [Perhaps you could help me to speed up my wordprocessing skills?! - TW] followed by a certificate in BTEC (First Diploma) in Business and Finance.

Clare is now living in Bristol with her fiance, who proposed to her on her 18th birthday. She has got a job as a Clerical Assistant in TV Licensing.

Budding Artists Shine at Gallery

An art, craft and design exhibition was held at the Atkinson Art Gallery in Southport during the Christmas period. This exhibition was mounted by the 5th year senior pupils and covered a wide range of artistic talent. It was the first time that a local school has had the opportunity to display artwork at the gallery.

The Gateway to Success

Andrew Helm is spending a year at Southport College on a Basic Engineering Course. He has been learning basic engineering skills which include welding, maintenance, fitting and electrical engineering. Andrew has recently made a new set of gates for the college day nursery.

When the course ends, Andrew plans to work in his father's sheet metal business in Southport.

News in Brief

Robert Asbridge keeps himself fit by being involved in the Southport Badminton League. He says he hopes to outdo Mr Henderson at the game! [I wouldn't like to bet on that one, Robert! - TW]

Neil Pritchard has recently been unwell, but has made a good recovery. Neil is now training as a dental technician and is attending college one day each week.

Jonathan Slack is doing so well at college that he has received the "Student of the Year" award. He has now been granted a place at Sheffield Polytechnic.

Jewels in a Burnley Crown

Charlotte Speak finished her 3 year BA (Honours) degree course in Jewellery and Silversmithy at Birmingham Polytechnic last June. She had her graduation in January and is now back at home in Burnley with her family. Charlotte says she misses being at Birmingham, but being at the graduation was "like a reunion" as she was able to see all the people who were on her course again.

Just before Christmas, Charlotte got work placement in a jewellery shop in Rawtenstall. She worked in the workshop at the back of the shop and gained some practical experience in dealing with commercial jewellery. However, at the end of January Charlotte began setting up her own jewellery workshop business. She says that she is "enjoying making the jewellery, but it's hard at the moment as there is a lot of work involved in business planning".

Charlotte is currently busy making a range of jewellery, mostly silver, to sell and her first sale will take place at a local craft fair during Easter weekend. Her only worry is whether she'll make enough pieces by then! [Sorry Charlotte, I can't wave my magic wand to help you out, but wish you every success anyway - TW]

Reunion 1992

The number of ticket requests was disappointing as at the end of February, but the orders have since picked up. It is hoped that many of you will be attending this event as no reunion was held last year.

Jingle Bells and Train Hooters

The school choir and percussion band took part in the Southport Festival of Christmas Music at Chapel Street train station just before the end of the Autumn term. The Mayor of Sefton opened this event and the children entertained the public with their music and carol-singing. Father Christmas made an appearance, and much to the delight some of the children, a Mutant Hero Turtle came to join in the fun.

From Goal Saving to Fund-raising

The Everton footballer, Peter Beardsley, has agreed to support the school in a fund-raising appeal. Peter agreed to become a celebrity patron for our appeal so that we can gain more support and receive a much wider media coverage. He met some of the children in early December when he showed them round Goodison Park during training.

Peter has already been into school and was photographed with a group of pupils when the Variety Club of Great Britain presented a £2,000 cheque to boost school funds.

Retirement Presentation to Mrs Tomkinson

Quite a large number of former pupils came back to school at Christmas to see the stage show, join in the party and watch a presentation being made to Mrs Tomkinson on the occasion of her retirement. A gift in the form of a cheque was presented to Mrs Tomkinson from Neil Caven on behalf of all former pupils.

Mrs Tomkinson was totally surprised and did not expect this at all. She would like to thank all the former pupils who contributed towards the gift and she said it was a pleasure to see so many in school that evening. Mrs Tomkinson hopes to see many of you at reunions and other such gatherings in the years to come.

Newsletter Number 8

Remember that this is YOUR newsletter and it can only continue providing people send in their contributions to the Editor. Any news, views [Even moans! -TW] and information can be sent to the Editor for inclusion in future issues. Suggestions for improving the newsletter are more than welcome too. So please get writing soon!

The address to write to is Tony Wright [address supplied].

The next newsletter will be published in November 1992 so contributions for that issue must be received by the Editor before the end of October.

Please note: addresses originally supplied in this issue are now out of
date & are no longer valid so they have been removed

Return to BSRA Newsletters