John Gittins

John Gittins, a founder member of Hilbre Bird Observatory and Ringing Station, a lifetime resident of West Kirby and a person who, in his own very special way, had the happy knack of adding something to the lives of all who had the pleasure of meeting him.

On 1st September 2002, a plaque was unveiled at Dee Lane, West Kirby, commemorating the life of John Gittins.

John was a founder member of the Bird Observatory and Ringing Station on Hilbre in 1957 and was the most regular of all our members in his visits to the island until his death in December 2001. His enthusiasm for Hilbre and its birds was catching and he is responsible for the fact that the Bird Observatory has such an active membership today.

From the start, John was involved in the production of the first annual bird report in 1957 and in the construction of the first ‘Heligoland’ trap on the island in the same year. Much of his work resulted in the opening of the first Council supplied Observatory building in 1962 at which he was present (see photograph below). He was Honorary Director of the Bird Observatory for many years and Ringing Secretary until last year - he continued with his work right up to the end.

John was known as ‘The Birdman of Hilbre’but in addition, he was also a much liked local personality in West Kirby, known to almost everyone in the are. He always had a kind word and a joke for the many people he came into contact with throughout his life.

The fact that over two hundred people attended the ceremony for the unveiling of the plaque is testimony to his popularity and the affection and regard in which people held him.

Following his death, so many people wanted to have a permanent memorial by which to remember John that a special committee of local people was formed to collect donations and organise the plaque.
Regrettably, those involved are too numerous to mention here but sincere thanks is extended to all
concerned with the arrangements.

With many members of John’s family present and the attendant crowd almost blocking South Parade, the unveiling of the plaque was undertaken by his brother, Ted.

John will be very sadly missed on Hilbre as well as around West Kirby. Sunday was ‘John’s day’ on Hilbre and, without doubt, Sunday mornings will never be the same again on the island.

However, his memory will live on at Hilbre and West Kirby. The plaque (aptly inscribed with “John Charles Gittins -Renowned ‘Birdman’ and Humorist” will be a lasting testimony to such a generous and much loved Hilbre man.