We are sorry to hear about Mr Furness and our thoughts are with his wife and family at this sad time of their loss.

From Paul Harper and Melvin Oughton (Sheffield) ex-1959 pupils

So sad to hear the news about Mr Furness. He was a brilliant headmaster. Robert and I are thinking of Mrs Furness and their family at this sad time. May he rest in peace.

Sorry to hear the sad news of Mr Furness. Our wishes go to Mrs Furness at this sad time.

So sorry to hear the sad news of Mr Furness. My thoughts and prayers to all his family. He was the best headmaster i have ever known. R.I.P

My thoughts are with Mrs Furness and family.

If anything Mr Furness inspired respect in me. He has left me with many examples of "how to be the perfect gentleman." Of course I'll never match up to his expectations.

I shall rest easy that he has left the world a better place for his being here.

So sad to hear the news of Mr Furness who was a very good Headmaster at our school and my thoughts and prayers go out to his family. R.I.P.

Dear all former colleagues of Birkdale School:

I have spoken to Jack Henderson tonight (Sunday 23rd Jan). He has told me that our former headmaster Mr J Furness has passed away peacefully in the last 24-48 hours. RIP.

Tony can you let us know when the Funeral is?

A date for your diary - Reunion 2012 will be held on October 13th 2012 at the Scarisbrick Hotel, Lord Street, Southport.

Thanks to Barb for her input regarding the buffet or sit-down meal question.

Hi everyone, firstly, all the best for this year and many more to come.

Having read the review about the reunion, I myself would prefer a buffet as I have so many people to catch up on as I haven't been able to attend the last couple of reunions. but saying that, the pupils that have been will have a better understanding of what is best really so I will go along with whatever is decided.

Hope to see you all soon.

The Committee held their scheduled meeting yesterday, Sunday, 2nd Jan. Present were Chairman Bill Lamont,Steven Brayshaw and myself.

Steve reported that 70 tickets were sold for Reunion 10, although a few ex pupils did not actually come after paying for their tickets. Discussions centred round the next reunion, and it was agreed that we will hold the next reunion in October 2012 at The Scarisbrick Hotel, Southport. Bill will make contact with the hotel management this week to discuss dates.

We are trying to avoid holding it at the same weekend as the firework championships, but the problem here is we are unable to get the date that they are held. Added attraction though they are, the fireworks weekend makes it difficult for our expupils who wish/need to stay overnight to get accommodation for a single night.

Talks were also about the buffet. 2010 buffet was quite good, but I felt that it missed the sweet and coffee. To provide these would mean the ticket price being increased by a few pounds, which would take it very close to the price of having a sit down meal. What are your views about having a sit down meal, bearing in mind that during the mealtime we wont be able to wander amongst the tables freely until the meal is over. In my view, that would inevitably reduce the time spent for getting together. Your views would be appreciated on this subject.

Best wishes for 2011 to all former pupils.