It is with sadness that we have learned of the death of Mr Bob Percy, who worked for many years in the Audiology Room at Birkdale.

Former Principal Mrs Wood says she remembers him for his sense of humour and philosophical, calm attitude as well as his attention to detail in anything audiological. He went about his work quietly, often with a smile, and took a great interest in all the young people at school and was proud of the achievements of former pupils.

Mrs Wood also says:

“I am glad that I had the opportunity to work in the same school as Mr Percy. I never heard him say a bad word about anybody. He was a valued colleague, a polite gentleman and our thoughts and prayers are with his family.”

Tony Wright also remembers Mr Percy as a funny and likeable person. Tony says Mr Percy even filmed a couple of magic shows he did with some of the pupils.

Mr Percy’s funeral will be at Southport Crematorium at 1pm on Monday 4 November.

We have received the sad news that Mrs Veronica Cliffe passed away yesterday.

Mrs Cliffe worked as a Classroom Assistant having originally come to our school in 1961 but she left six years later to raise her family. She returned to Birkdale in 1976 and remained there until the closure of the school. As mentioned in the December 2001 newsletter, Mrs Cliffe celebrated 25 years working at the school in September 2001.

Former Principal Mrs Wood has been in touch to pay this tribute to Mrs Cliffe:

“It is with sadness that we heard of the death of Mrs Veronica Cliffe on June 3rd. Mrs Cliffe worked at Parkfield before moving to the Junior Department and then the Seniors.

Mrs Cliffe will be remembered for her reliability, kindness, dedication to her work and sense of fun. Many pupils will remember her help in the classroom as well as outside of it whether on evening duty at Parkfield or checking hearing aids each morning. She was proud of school and the achievements of its pupils. Her work in ensuring that displays in classrooms and corridors were of a high standard was often commented on by visitors to the school.

I feel fortunate to have worked alongside somebody who was so much a part of Birkdale for so long and my thoughts are with her family at this sad time.”

The funeral will be at Atherton Crematorium near Manchester. Further details will be announced once this has been arranged.

Update 10.06.2023: Veronica Cliffe’s funeral will be taking place at 12pm on Monday 19 June at Howe Bridge Crematorium in Howe Bridge, near Atherton. Refreshments after the service will be at the Jubilee Hall next to St Richard’s Hall near Tesco.

Veronica’s daughter Michaela says if anyone wishes to attend, it will be lovely to see them; please let Tony know via the Contact Form, by email or text (if you have his number), if you’re going as Michaela needs to know numbers for catering, and Tony will contact Michaela to tell her.

Mrs Wood has been in contact to say that Mr Mick Walsh, who worked at Birkdale for many years in maintenance at school, sadly passed away on Easter Sunday [9 April] at home.

Mrs Wood comments that Mr Walsh was instrumental in helping to transform the old dormitories into modern, smaller, comfortable bedrooms, and in upgrading the Schierwater Room into the Girls’ Lounge as well as numerous other projects around the school.

Mrs Wood says: “As Principal, I had only to mention something that needed attention and it was attended to promptly and with great care and good humour. Often Mr Walsh spotted maintenance requiring attention and had carried out necessary work before it had even been mentioned. He took great pride in his work and was equally proud of Birkdale and its pupils’ achievements. He was a colleague who will be remembered with great affection.”

Rest in peace, Mr Walsh.

Update 18.04.2023: Mick Walsh’s funeral is at 10am on Friday 28 April at St Patrick’s Church, Marshside in Southport.