Welcome to another round-up of news and information about what some of you have been doing since the last newsletter.
“Still Alive, Kicking and Well!”
That was the message your Editor received from Jane Wolstenholme. Jane tells me that she is still working for the Littlewoods Organisation and lives quite happily in a flat in Preston. Thanks Jane for your note.
The Patter of Tiny Feet
Congratulations must go to the following happy couples:
Roger & Glynis Davies have a baby boy, Elliot. Unfortunately, Roger is off work at the moment with a broken collar-bone. We hope you make a speedy recovery, Roger.
Very good news for Geoffrey & Gillian Evans on the birth of a little girl, Ashley Victoria.
David & Jane Lee have a baby girl, Jessica, born early November.
Laura Elizabeth is the name of David & Claire Varrie’s baby daughter.
Steven & Kathy Weymouth have a baby girl whose name is Emma.
Tying the Marital Knot
John Barlow has just become engaged, and is a Civil Servant at the moment, but he is waiting for a computer vacancy in his department.
Steven Granger recently married Fiona. Congratulations to them both.
Susan Hall is now engaged and is looking forward to being married in July 1989.
Back to School
At a recent parent’s course held in school, Gillian Hayes, Charlotte Smith and Tony Wright spoke about their experiences at college and work. The parents were heartened by how well they had got on.
Gillian is working in the Civil Service and in her spare time plays hockey for Runcorn. Charlotte is at college studying for her A levels. Tony works in school as a Classroom Assistant and as a hobby presents magic shows for all ages.
Sad Loss
Howard Kallman has sadly lost his father through a heart attack, but he and brother Clive are being very helpful and supportive to his mother at this time.
Great Success for Anne
Anne Telford (nee McNeil) has been very successful in gaining a distinction with the English Speaking Board at their level 2 stage and is hoping to go on to achieve the level 3 grade. Well done Anne!
Top of the Form
Reggie Cobb is on a ‘year out’ from Lancashire Polytechnic. This means that he does a year’s work with a firm of architects and he is doing this with Norman Jones & Sons Ltd in Southport.
David Ebo is going to college in Exeter on an electro-mechanics course. Good luck, David, on this new venture.
David’s brother, Richard Ebo, has completed a three year City & Guilds catering course whilst working in the Civil Service in Bootle. Richard has the possibility of promotion in the pipeline which may take him down south.
Stephen Green has gone on to Loughborough University to do a Management and Transport Degree.
Congratulations to Theresa Lomas, who has passed her nursing examinations. She is now a qualified SRN.
Ian Smart has completed his joinery and plumbing course at Doncaster College and is now back home working with his father.
Mark Whitton has started a further two year engineering course at Derby, and his parents have moved back to the Midlands from Southport.
New Zealand Hopeful
Good luck wishes are sent to Peter Baker who has been selected to represent Great Britain in Athletics at the World Games for the Deaf being held in Christchurch, New Zealand in January 1989. Peter hopes to do well in the 400 metres.
Job Changes
Peter Fisher has recently applied for NAAFI position on board the Royal Navy ships. NAAFI operates shops and canteens on army bases, air force bases and on Royal Navy ships.
Stephen Leadbetter is now a self-employed bricklayer, but often works with his father.
Angela Parkhurst is now a part-time representative for the Milk Marketing Board doing demonstrations up and down the country. She still operates ‘Plum Crazy’, her confectionery business, but on a reduced scale.
Paul Wilson has left his job in the Civil Service to take up a career in farming. However, latest information is that he only stayed farming for two weeks!
Cochlear Implant for Ronnie?
Ronnie Gilbody is waiting to hear if he is going to be fortunate enough to have a cochlear implant. If he is, let’s hope the operation is successful – Ronnie is very hopeful that it will be a success.
Riding High for Gold Award
Looking after horses in stables at Steeple Aston in Oxon is ‘stable girl’ Stephanie Grimshaw. She seems to be enjoying it and is hoping to do her Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award Expedition during 1989.
Chef Back at Work
Following a serious operation, Julian Nuttall had a wonderful holiday in Menorca convalescing after his illness. He is back working full-time as a chef in a hotel.
Working for a Living
Ian Lowis is a self-employed JCB driver on building sites and he likes the job.
Also in self-employment is Kevin Preston who is working as a general labourer on building sites.
Shayne Ramskill is on shift work at a confectioners and bakers in Lytham, and he says he enjoys the work very much.
Lucy Riding is working in the offices of Michael Hunter & Co., who are bathroom and kitchen specialists.
Neil Tiffin is working hard, and enjoying it, in his uncle’s electrical workshop.
Joyce Webley works as a Classroom Assistant at Alice Elliot School in Liverpool.
NAG Needs Your Support
In 1980 a group of teachers from around the country formed the National Aural Group (NAG). This organisation aims to inform parents, professionals and the general public what can be achieved when deaf children are educated in an environment where they learn to talk and make full use of their residual hearing. Birkdale staff are very involved in this group.
However, in recent months there has been media interest in a signing education for all deaf children. NAG feels that one of the most influential thrusts for good oral communication must come from today’s talking deaf adults who are able to ‘voice’ their opinions.
Would you be prepared to help NAG inform the public about the achievements of talking deaf children? Tony Wright wishes to compile a list of former pupils who are willing to help NAG in its efforts. There are different ways in which you can help NAG so please refer to the tear-off slip for details. * If you are able to help, your name, address and telephone number will be placed on file to be used by NAG members only.
Please return the tear-off slip, whether or not you are able to help, to Tony along with your Reunion ticket request to c/o Neil & Dorothy Caven, [address supplied]. If you are not attending the Reunion, return the slip directly to Tony c/o Birkdale School, [address supplied].
* This issue included a tear-off slip to complete and return indicating if willing to help NAG and in what way; there were a number of options to choose from.
Reminder about News Items
Don’t forget, any news that you may have for inclusion in the next newsletter, please send to Tony Wright, c/o Birkdale School, [address supplied].
Please note: addresses originally supplied in this issue are now out of date & are no longer valid so they have been removed