The OBS AGM took place online in September 2021. While it might have been preferable to meet in person, the online facility meant that OBs from across the globe were able to attend the meeting, which would not have been possible otherwise.

OB and former staff member, Alan Hanson (’52-’59), provided the following report:

‘I was surprised to see that for a second year the Old Birkonian AGM was to be on Zoom, but it meant that as a consequence it was possible for me to participate as an observer from “down under” in Melbourne.

For many reasons I found the AGM interesting and fascinating – an unusual description for an AGM as they often have a tendency to be tedious!

It was refreshing to see that a relatively young collection of Old Birkonians were now involved, very competently managed by current President Pippa McKeown and Chair Will Roberts. I find it surprising that Trevor Mathew-Jones, who I taught years ago, is now the senior member of the committee!

Headmaster Paul Vicars’ report was impressive and inspirational. Amongst the wide range of items covered I was intrigued by the reference to a possible transporting of future Birkenhead pupils from the Liverpool area. In the fifties when the Direct Grant was operating, Birkenhead Council paid the fees for the top twenty five boys in the annual 11+ examination. Consequently there was considerable demand for the remaining fee paying places at Birkenhead School.

I have an early memory of visiting the then recently retired Headmaster, Mr W F Bushell, at his house in Talbot Road. I was a member of Chapel Choir, the head chorister at that time being Roger Ewing!, with all enjoying an hour of singing Christmas carols followed by mince pies and apple cider.

Over the following decades I have seen Birkenhead School progress under several Headmasters and I feel Paul Vicars creates a great mood of optimism for the future. Clearly, this development will be assisted greatly if the plans for the sale of Noctorum Field progress successfully - a place with a considerable number of memories for me.’

Alan Hanson