Stephen Granger has written in to ask everyone to join him in congratulating Stephen Malpus and his wife Margaret on their 40th Wedding Anniversary this month! A lovely evening in Stockport (21 July) was enjoyed by family, friends and old School colleagues. Well done to Stephen M. and Margaret. Onto the 50th now! Stephen G. hopes to see you all in October for another reunion.
5 July 2018
We have heard the sad news Paul Wilson passed away last night (4 July). His brother-in-law announced Paul’s death on Facebook. Our thoughts go to his family and friends at this difficult time.
Update 08.07.18: Paul’s funeral will take place at Southport Crematorium on Monday 16 July at 10.40am followed by refreshments at the Toby in Ainsdale.
9 March 2018
According to OTS News, a consultation into a proposed redevelopment of the school is to begin following discussions between Sefton Council and Octopus Healthcare.
Octopus Healthcare plan to redevelop the site into Extra Care accommodation, which includes creating up to 120 apartments, a bistro, residents’ lounge, library and salon. The proposed plans can be seen here.
An exhibition of the proposed scheme will be available to see in the Churchtown Room at Southport Town Hall on 15 March from 2pm till 7.30pm.
UPDATE 15.3.18
Representatives from Octopus Healthcare Group were at Southport Town Hall today with various displays showing their proposed plans for the school site. Following this consultation and getting feedback from interested parties, a planning application will be submitted to Sefton Council and a decision is expected in June/July.
Some photos of their drawings are shown below:
(Click on image to see a bigger picture)
2 March 2018
We have received an email from Phil Lightburn informing us the sad news Derek Lightburn passed away suddenly yesterday morning (1 March). Phil said Derek loved the Reunions and often talked about everyone with warmth.
RIP Derek.
Update 13.03.18: Derek’s funeral has been arranged for Thursday 29 March 10.00am at Landican Cemetary, Arrowe Park Road, Arrowe Park, CH49 5LW.
10 February 2018
Former pupil Pauline Tierney (nee Marshall) sadly passed away this morning. Pauline left the school in 1956 and was a regular member at Southport Centre for the Deaf.
We send our condolences to Pauline’s family and friends at this sad time.
Update 16.02.18: Pauline’s funeral will be held on Tuesday 27 February at St Teresa’s RC Church on Everton Road in Birkdale at 1.15pm. This will be followed by a committal at the Crematorium at 2.40pm.
28 January 2018
There was a very large turn out for the funeral of Margaret Fletcher (nee Mann) at Blacon Crematorium, Chester on Thursday 25 January 2018, including several young and old pupils from Birkdale School.
At the end of the service, the Chester Deesign Choir signed Margaret’s favourite song “You Raised Me Up”.
It was family flowers only but donations of £901.36 were raised, and this was split between The British Lung Foundation and Chester Deaf Club.
The wake was held at Chester Deaf Club afterwards.
[Report sent in by Irene Bassett (née Rees)]
21 January 2018
Due to serious health problems, Ronnie Gilbody has made the difficult decision to resign from the Reunion Committee. Ronnie has done a lot of work behind the scenes and for that, we owe him a big THANK YOU. We all wish him well and hope his health improves.
Tickets for this year’s Reunion on 6 October will be going on sale soon. Further details will be announced shortly. If anyone has any queries regarding the Reunion, please use the Contact Form or email directly to info@bshira.co.uk.
14 January 2018
Irene Bassett (nee Rees) has informed us Margaret Mann’s funeral will be at Blacon Crematorium, Chester on Thursday 25 January at 12.00pm.
17 October 2017
We are sad to report another well-known ex-pupil, Michael Lumby, passed away unexpectedly yesterday (16 October).
After leaving school in 1963, he worked for many years at the mushroom farm in Ormskirk. He was a frequent visitor to the school at Christmas and Sports Day. Michael also attended the reunions and often provided a bag of mushrooms as a raffle prize!
Update 23.10.17: Michael’s funeral will take place at 10am on Wednesday 25 October at St Anne’s in Ormskirk followed by family only at the Crematorium. The wake will be at The Hayfield on County Road. It has been requested no flowers please but donations to Southport Centre for the Deaf will be gratefully received.
Update 07.11.17: The Ormskirk Advertiser has published an article about Michael Lumby.
12 September 2017
Several members of Southport Centre for the Deaf, some of whom are former pupils of the school, visited Southport Town Hall today for a guided tour. During the visit, the group were shown the ‘Birkdale Room’ which contained a stained glass window from the school.
This 4-foot square window was designed by about 20 pupils in 1991 and was constructed as part of a project for the Merseyside Arts Festival. It was created from a collage of the pupil’s designs centred around the school coat of arms. Help came from Ron and Ruth Cave of Cromwell Stained Glass Workshop in Southport.
After being displayed at the Market Street Hearing Care Centre, the window was unveiled at the school in honour of Principal Mrs Tomkinson who retired at Christmas 1991. It was originally installed above the main staircase leading from the entrance hall to the first-floor landing.