As some of you will know, Reunion2010 venue has now been moved to the Scarisbrick Hotel, Lord St, Southport. I have been observing for months the comments by ex-pupils, and whilst the question of the buffet could be resolved, we felt that we on the Committee had to agree that the size of the Talbot was a problem. Another issue considered was the possibility that with the event now being more publicised by FB, Forum and Website we could have increased requests for tickets in 2010 which we would not be able to satisfy.

We have paid a deposit for £200 which is not returnable to us if we fail. As at the Talbot, we declined the disco; it seemed it was not missed at Reunion2009, so a monetary saving will be made there. A room charge is levied if the attendance is less than 85 approx. The Talbot did not charge for the room, and returned our £50 deposit for the failed 2008 event to us. Incidentally, we have canceled the booking at the Talbot and the manager has wished us all the best for Reunion 2010.

The Committee will meet up again soon to fix ticket prices and the capacity. For those who do not know Southport so well, the Scarisbrick is situated in the centre approx of Lord St. It is attractive to all age groups, which was one of the reasons we went for the "Brick" (as its known locally). There is a small car a park at the rear, but as you know, Southport car parking has never been great. We have made no arrangements with the hotel for rooms although its possible we on The Committee will look into doing that. The menu has still to arrive; rest assured, I will be looking at it closely and will query it if need be.

I think you can see now we have made an effort to satisfy your wishes, and have made a considerable financial outlay already.

Regards to all ex-pupils, Ron

It's good to hear that some action is at last beginning to take place with the news of the 'Urgent Repairs' notice being served on the current owners of 'OUR' school.

However, speaking as a Building Surveyor, £3,500 may seem like a decent sum of money to some, but quite frankly in maintenance & repair terms it is a meagre amount that will NOT go very far.

Nevertheless, it's a start and we should stay positive but at the same time still keep up the campaign to protect such a wonderful building.

I was very pleased to read the message from Susan Tinsley regarding the issues on the current state of the school and that some light has begun to flicker through the dark tunnel!

Let us all keep a watch on how things go this year and if possible put on the Birkdale website any news or developments that may happen?? We all deserve to know if the current owners mean to do something with the school as it was OUR second home yeah? As very few of us live near Southport its not easy to be kept informed on what the latest news is?

Thank you, Steve Granger

Just a message to let people know that the school has a Facebook site (see links button, left) as well as this site and the forum where you can discuss anything about the school with others who attended Birkdale. More and more people are getting in touch... your friends could be there looking for you.

Birkdale Reunion 2nd October 2010.

The reunion will now be held at the Scarisbrick Hotel, Lord St, Southport on 2nd October 2010. Ticket prices will be announced when we finalise the details.

Thought the readers would be interested in an article I read in the Midweek Visitor regarding our school.

There have been calls for urgent repairs to be carried out on the building. The council have written to the owners reminding them of their responsibilities in owning a listed property. There was a meeting last week to authorise an Urgent Works Notice to secure the building from further decline. The work will be carried out in default if the owners ignore the notice.

I would like to thank the mystery person who has sent an E-mail here suggesting ideas of how to go about getting something done regarding trying to keep or save the School from further decline until developers can GET on with it!

Section 215 will help if we can get someone in the Southport or Sefton area who is influential to local affairs and or pressurise a politician to make an issue of this problem in a meeting at the town hall? Is there anyone interested in taking part in a petition? What do you think?

Thankyou. Stephen Granger

In response to Stephen Granger's plea...

There is what's known as 'section 215 notice' also known as an 'untidy site notice' that could be served on the current owners by the local authority.

Also, as the school is a listed building then it may be a good idea writing to 'SPAB' (The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings) to express your concerns and request their help in this matter.

Hello to all. I have just been looking at the latest photos that have been added to the Gallery of OUR School! I am so angry and upset. What a disgrace that it has fallen further into neglect and disrepair!

My Wife and myself called to see Jack Henderson on the 2nd of January and he says its absolutely appalling that nothing is being done to try and at least make it reasonable and tidy until funds can be raised to make it a building to be proud of once more.

Jack sends his regards to everyone and does not have internet so its not easy for him to keep in touch! Jack is hoping to get one of his relatives to put a message on here to us all soon. He is looking forward to seeing everyone again in October for the next reunion.

Does anyone wish to come up with any ideas on how to get action to Save Birkdale School? What about a petition to the local council to force the current owners to get something done? Or if they cant invest in it then it should be sold on to someone who can!? Please help if you wish to.

Thanks Stephen and Silvia Granger.

wishing you all the best for the new year xx