News – Birkdale Reunion Association

8 October 2025

Despite a lower attendance than last year, those that came to this year’s Reunion enjoyed themselves and were happy to be there. The event was once again held at the Southport Coaster and although Storm Amy tried to disrupt things, it didn’t dampen everyone’s spirits.

Thanks go to the staff at the Coaster for making sure we were looked after, and to Lau’s Deli for providing an excellent buffet.

Below are some photos from the event, with thanks to Jane Wolstenholme for allowing us to share. (Click on an image to view bigger picture)

*Group includes from front [l side] Christopher Lewin & Ian Heyes, and [r side] Tony Wright & Carl Sadler*

*[l side] Douglas Thomas, Sara Fahey, Stephen Granger & Christopher Yates*

*[at end] Neil Caven & Mike Fahey*

*[r side] Steve Malpus, Colin Sandford & Andrew Stewart*

*[l side] Tony Wright, Barry Hodgson & Dorothy Caven*

*[r side] Jean Bradley, Brian Bradley & Martin Cookson*

*[l-r]* *Jane Wolstenholme, Karen Williams & Elizabeth Gomez*

*[l-r] Christopher Lewin, Ian Heyes, Geoff Ward & Elizabeth Gomez*

*[l-r] Karen Williams, Carole & Ian Simmonds*

*Michael Hoggart [r] with his support worker*

*[l side] Patricia Pitts & Christine Wetherby*

*[r side] Adrian Pitts & Mike Wetherby*

*[l-r] Robert Asbridge, Carl Sadler, Mike Fahey & Stephen Smith*

*[l-r] Lorraine Simpson & Jane Wolstenholme*

20 September 2025

Paul Harper has been in contact to say Melvyn Oughton, who left school in 1959, sadly passed away on 12 September, aged 82. Melvyn and Paul had kept in touch ever since they left school. RIP Melvyn.

31 August 2025

We have heard news today that former pupil Susan Jenkinson (nee Osborne) died last Monday (25 August). No further details available at this time.

20 August 2025

News has been received that Margaret Hutton (nee Linton) recently passed away. No other details are available at this time. Margaret left school in 1964 and later married another ex-pupil, William Hutton, who left Birkdale in 1962.

It has also been confirmed that Andrea Whitehall died in 2024. Andrea left Birkdale about 1963 to go to Mary Hare.

19 August 2025

Former pupil and Reunion Committee member Bob Bayley died yesterday morning (18 August). He had been ill for some time but this was not widely known.

Bob left our school in 1973. He offered to get involved with organising the reunions in 2018 after Billy Lamont and Steven Brayshaw stepped down.

Our thoughts are with Bob’s wife Denise, family and friends during this sad time.

UPDATE 29.08.2025: Bob’s funeral will take place on 26 September at 1.45pm at Sutton Crematorium, Tamworth Road, Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham, B75 6LG. The service will be live-streamed and recorded, which will be available online for seven days afterwards.

UPDATE 22.09.2025: The funeral for Bob Bayley will be live-streamed at 1.45pm on 26 September at the following link. You will need a PIN to access the video. Please get in touch to request the PIN if you wish to watch the service.

29 July 2025

We have had news that former pupil Tommy Gambles died peacefully today at 3.25pm in Spring Hill Hospice. He had been suffering from bladder cancer. Tommy left our school in 1967.

19 July 2025

There will be a Reunion at the Southport Coaster on Saturday 4 October from 7.30pm. Tickets cost £12 each and can be ordered now. Full details on how to get tickets can be found here.

The Southport Coaster is at 137 Lord Street. Postcode is PR8 1PU.

We hope to see many old and new faces at the Reunion – spread the word!

25 April 2025

News has been received that Carole Vince’s (nee Came) sister Beverley Came has sadly passed away. Both sisters attended our school.

7 April 2025

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Valerie Feather (nee Gornall) on Friday 28 March. She was surrounded and supported by her husband Dion and her two sons, Dion and Matthew. Valerie left our school in 1980.

A memorial service will be held at St. Marys Church, Morecambe on Thursday 10 April at 1.30pm. The family welcome anyone who wishes to honour Val.

Update 09.04.2025: For anyone who would like to see the service but are unable to attend, please visit this YouTube link where you will be able to watch it.

25 March 2025

Class of ’79 pupil Philip Williamson recently passed away. His funeral will be held on Monday 31 March at 1pm at Vale Royal Crematorium on the A556 road near Northwich. (The postcode is CW9 8RP.)