News – Page 6 – Birkdale Reunion Association

18 October 2018

The Liverpool Echo reported yesterday the school could finally be transformed into a retirement village as previously mentioned here, subject to planning permission. It has now been confirmed Octopus Healthcare had their plans approved at a Sefton Council Planning Committee meeting held last night.

Place North West has more on this news.

Octopus Healthcare has issued a press release on the approval.

We mentioned last month it looked like work was underway for the new development judging by a press release made by Octopus Healthcare on their website. The drawing at the top of that page matches the plans seen at Southport Town Hall in March.

This has, understandably, led to some confusion as the article does not say where in Birkdale the development will be. It has been assumed this to be the location of the school but it looks like this may now be referring to where Sunshine House was on Oxford Road.

8 October 2018

Reunion 2018 was a great success!

Over 100 people attended the event at the Masonic Hall on Saturday 6 October. The turnout was the highest it has been for a few years. Thank you to everyone for coming and making the occasion the fun evening it was.

Thanks must be given to Julie and her team at the Masonic Hall for the buffet and for generally looking after us.

On the night it was mentioned four Committee members have stepped down. Billy Lamont and Steven Brayshaw stepped down at the last Reunion in 2016 after being involved for 20 years but have remained in the background until any new people can properly take over. Sue Tinsley left the Committee in May 2017 for family reasons and Ronnie Gilbody resigned in January this year due to health problems. Thanks were given to all of these people for all their hard work in planning and organising past Reunions.

Tony Wright asked the crowd if they wanted these events to continue in the future. By an overwhelming show of hands, it was clear the majority do! However Tony requested that if anyone is interested in helping or has any feedback/ideas they should contact him via the website.

After a short meeting between Billy, Steven and Tony later in the evening, it was announced Bob Bayley would be coming on board to assist Tony with arranging future Reunion events. Welcome to Bob!

Following the raffle, there was plenty of opportunities for everyone to chat and catch-up. What a fabulous night. Roll on 2020!

Some photos from the Reunion can be seen here.

30 September 2018

After 8 months since tickets went on sale, Reunion 2018 can be considered to be a sell-out. 109 people are due to attend this year’s event on Saturday 6 October at the Masonic Hall in Southport. Thank you to everyone who has ordered tickets – even at 9.50pm last night, which is very close to the wire!

For anyone needing address info for SATNAVs, please check the Reunions page for that.

Let’s make this event a fun, happy and memorable occasion for everyone attending. One request: if anyone takes photos, please send some in so they can be added to the website as a record of the event.

6 September 2018

Following on from news reported earlier this year, this page seems to indicate work is underway for the construction of a new £16m development on the site of our old school, judging by artwork seen at the top of that page.

According to the article, the new development will provide accommodation for over 100 people and will feature a 74-bed village, divided into six households, providing 24-hour care and nursing support. In addition, the village will offer 30 one and two bedroom independent living apartments, together with a range of facilities open to the public, including a bistro, hair salon, exercise studio and function rooms.

If this is relating to Octopus Healthcare’s proposals for the school, it may take time for construction work to actually begin as there is no visible activity on site at the moment.

UPDATE 18.10.18
It would appear the description given on Octopus Healthcare’s website may be referring to development taking place on Oxford Road where Sunshine House used to be.

Signage seen there refers to care village operator Belong and construction company Pochin who are both mentioned in the article.

22 July 2018

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

Pauline at Southport Deaf Club Carol Service in 2014

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)]