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

Derek at Reunion 2006

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)]

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.

8 September 2017

Mike Fahey has posted on Facebook with sad news that ex-pupil Alan Wilkinson has passed away. According to our records, Alan left Birkdale in 1971. By all accounts, he was a keen sportsman and well liked by many.

Our condolences go to Christine, her family, and friends.

Update 27.09.17: Alan Wilkinson’s funeral will be on Friday 6 October at 1pm at Blackley Cemetery on Victoria Road in Manchester, M9 8JP, and afterwards at Wilton Arms Hotel, Manchester Old Road, Middleton, M24 4RF.

12 August 2017

A mini reunion took place in Manchester yesterday (11 August). Five ex-pupils met up for a chat over a pint and a meal. This was enjoyed by all. In attendance were Chris Yates, Steven Grainger, Steve Malpus, Mike Fahey and Stephen Smith.

Lads’ night out in Manchester – they never stopped talking!
[Thanks to Mike Fahey for the news and photo]

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