Irene Bassett (nee Rees) has been in touch to say Brian Grimshaw had informed her that Robert Beckett died on 27 September from lung cancer. His mother had told Brian this sad news.
The In memoriam page has been updated accordingly.
Deaths
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.
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)]
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.
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 January 2017
We are sorry to learn former pupil Kenneth Winder has passed away. He left our school in 1982.
Kenneth was apparently found dead on Tuesday morning (10th). The cause of death has been determined to be due to bacterial meningitis with secondary complications from diabetes. His funeral will be held at 12pm on Tuesday 31 January at St Peter’s Cathedral in Lancaster.
Our thoughts go out to his family and friends at this sad time.
Updated: 25 January 2017
4 November 2016
It was announced on 23 October that Mr Fyles had passed away. Today his funeral took place at St Joseph’s Church in Birkdale.
The service was well attended by family, friends, members of the St Vincent de Paul Society and staff from our school. It was nice to see Miss Baron, Mrs Pattison, Mrs Pennington, Mrs Rothwell, Mr Birkby and his wife, Mr Heery and Mr Hosker present.
A committal took place after this service at Liverpool Road Cemetery followed by refreshments at Southport & Birkdale Cricket Club.