News – Page 2 – Birkdale Reunion Association

11 April 2023

Mrs Wood has been in contact to say that Mr Mick Walsh, who worked at Birkdale for many years in maintenance at school, sadly passed away on Easter Sunday [9 April] at home.

Mrs Wood comments that Mr Walsh was instrumental in helping to transform the old dormitories into modern, smaller, comfortable bedrooms, and in upgrading the Schierwater Room into the Girls’ Lounge as well as numerous other projects around the school.

Mrs Wood says: “As Principal, I had only to mention something that needed attention and it was attended to promptly and with great care and good humour. Often Mr Walsh spotted maintenance requiring attention and had carried out necessary work before it had even been mentioned. He took great pride in his work and was equally proud of Birkdale and its pupils’ achievements. He was a colleague who will be remembered with great affection.”

Rest in peace, Mr Walsh.

Update 18.04.2023: Mick Walsh’s funeral is at 10am on Friday 28 April at St Patrick’s Church, Marshside in Southport.

30 November 2022

Several former pupils and staff attended Nora Furness’ funeral on Monday (28 November). The service was held at St James’ Church in Birkdale and was led by Reverend Eddie Loxham. Nora’s grandchildren, Sarah and Timothy, gave lovely tributes.

Refreshments were provided in the church hall after the service, and this gave everyone a chance to catch-up and reminisce about Nora. Below is a photo of some ex-pupils with former teacher Brian Birkby.

*Left to right: Stephen Malpus, Stephen Granger, Mr Birkby*, *Martin Cookson,*
*Barry Hodgson, Andrew Stewart, Dorothy Caven, Neil Caven & Christopher Ball*

1 November 2022

Sad news: Mrs Nora Furness, known to many as Matron, died today aged 105 years. She passed away in Southport Hospital at 2am after going to the hospital on Friday (28 October) with a chest infection.

Update 13.11.22: Mrs Furness’ funeral will be taking place at 1pm on Monday, 28 November at St James’ Church in Birkdale. This will be followed by a private committal. Family flowers only, but donations to Southport Centre for the Deaf will be appreciated. Please send to Dean Brothers Funeral Directors, Deans Court, Gores Lane, Formby, L37 7DF.

29 September 2022

This is an advance notice that planned server maintenance will be taking place on 5 October from 10pm onwards. This means you may experience some interruptions accessing this website. It could take up to 5 hours to complete, but hopefully, it will be less than that.

6 September 2022

News has reached us that former pupil Patricia Johnson has passed away following a battle with cancer. Patricia left our school n 1974.

Thoughts are with her family and friends at this sad time.

Update 09.09.22: it has been announced that Patricia Johnson’s funeral will take place at 10am on Monday 19 September at Wigan Crematorium.

Update 21.09.22: due to Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral taking place on 19 September, the date and time for Patricia’s funeral have been changed to Monday 26 September at 11am. The full address for the crematorium is Wigan Ince Crematorium. Warrington Road, Lower Ince, Ince-in-Makerfield, Wigan, WN3 4NH.

7 August 2022

Former pupil Fergus O’Connor sadly passed away last Tuesday (2 August). He left our school in 1969. Thoughts are with his family and friends during this time.

Update 14.08.22: Fergus’ funeral will take place at Carleton Crematorium in Poulton-le-Fylde, near Blackpool, on Wednesday 24 August from 10-10.30am.

Update 21.08.22: Fergus’ granddaughter Nicola Geddes says everyone who would like to come and join the family to pay their respects is welcome. There will be a celebration of his life at Fleetwood Bowling Club at 11 am where there will be hot and cold food available.

23 July 2022

News has reached us that former pupil Lindsey Heyes passed away early this morning. Lindsey had been ill with cancer for some time.

According to our records, Lindsey left Birkdale in 1993.

Our thoughts are with Lindsey’s family and friends during this sad time.

Update 18.02.22: Barbara Morris’ funeral will be taking place at 1pm on Wednesday 23 February at Southport Crematorium.