The website for ex-pupils and staff of LSPD/SPHB/BSHIC
The Champion has reported that Mrs Furness recently celebrated her 104th birthday.
Mrs Furness marked the occasion on 19 June with her daughter Rosalind and two of her grandchildren, Sarah and Anne. It was the first time that more than one named person has been able to visit her since before the coronavirus pandemic began.
We all wish Mrs Furness a very Happy Birthday!
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Edited on 4 July 2021 to correct name of granddaughter from Ruth to Anne
Yesterday former staff and pupils attended a Memorial Service for Morag Clark at Scarisbrick New Road Baptist Church in Southport. Morag’s nephew Robin Scott was also present with his wife Liz.
Led by Elizabeth Rothwell, there were a number of speeches and a slideshow which included photos of Morag in her younger years and several taken during her time at Birkdale School.
Robin recounted some of Morag’s early years with the family. Two ex-pupils, Victoria Haynes (nee Sefton) and David Walker, gave their own tributes to Miss Clark. Victoria’s father, Chris Sefton, talked about meeting Miss Clark for the first time and how reassuring she had been about his daughter attending the school.
Elizabeth gave an overview of Morag’s work at Birkdale School and around the world. So many things were learnt from this, including the moment Morag met Nelson Mandela in South Africa. Extracts from the numerous messages received from professionals in different countries were read out.
Thanks were given to the minister of the Baptist Church for allowing his church to be used for the service. Tea and coffee was served afterwards, which gave people a chance to catch-up and chat. It was nice to see among the ex-staff Mrs Janet Mulcahy (nee Morris) and her mother Mrs Morris, Mrs Margaret Dutton (nee Crowley), Miss Angela Baron, and Miss Baldwin.
Particular thanks must go to Elizabeth Rothwell for organising this lovely Memorial Service.
A condensed form of the speeches with some photos will be put online in due course for everyone to see.
Following the sad news of Miss Clark’s death in April, a Memorial Service for her has now been arranged for Sunday 21 July at Scarisbrick New Road Baptist Church in Southport at 2.30pm. (Postcode for Satnav users: PR8 6PU)
Please indicate here or by using our Contact Form if you are able to attend so that we have an idea of numbers.
The Hereford Times recently reported on Miss Clark’s career in deaf education.
In February it was reported Mr Bancroft had died. Today Mr Birkby sent in news that Mr Bancroft’s wife, Muriel, passed away last week in hospital. Some of you may remember her as Mrs Roberts; she was also a teacher at the school.
News in from Mr Birkby: sadly Mrs Goodall passed away in the nursing home on Thursday 24 March. She had been in the nursing home for a while after suffering a bad stroke. Our thoughts go to those who knew her.
A couple of staff news: some of you may remember Mrs Goodall, who was a teacher in the Junior School and organised the Brownies. When she retired she became caretaker at Glamis Castle in Scotland. Now Mrs Goodall is in a nursing home after suffering a bad stroke.
Also Mr Fyles has been in hospital for a while but is hoping to be discharged soon.
Mr Birkby has been in touch to say Mr Bancroft sadly passed away last week following a long illness. Mr Bancroft’s funeral will be taking place this Friday (19th) at Southport Crematorium at 10am. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.
For those who were not able to attend Jack Henderson‘s funeral, and for those who were there but couldn’t follow everything said during the minister’s speech, the eulogy presented by Rev. Peter O Hughes is now available online to read. To see it, please go here.
We are sad to inform you all that Mr Jack Henderson passed away peacefully last night (28 February). Details of his funeral will be announced when arrangements have been made.
Update 03.03.15: [1] Mr Henderson’s funeral will be held on Friday 13 March at Lord St West Church in Southport at 1.15pm. This will be followed by a private committal. Family flowers only, but donations can be made to Hearing Dogs for Deaf People. After the funeral, the family invites mourners to the Masonic Hall on Duke Street (opposite the church) to celebrate Jack’s life.
[2] See this tribute to Mr Henderson by ex-pupil Stuart Harrison.
Former Honorary Treasurer and Chairman of the Board of Governors Mr A.C. Whyte sadly passed away on 9 January at the age of 99. His funeral will be held at Southport Crematorium on Thursday 5 February at 11.20am.
Thanks go to Carol MacFarlin for letting us know this news.