Brother Christopher Gorton had a day away from the Nursing Home to celebrate his 98th Birthday with his Salesian community. He thoroughly enjoyed the meal, joined in the sing song and even made a short speech!

Brother Chris was born in Great Harwood, Lancashire, on 15th June 1908, six years before the start of WW1. He made his novitiate in Cowley and was professed as a Salesian Brother in 1934. For fifty years he served the province as a tailor in Shrigley, Blaisdon, Battersea and Malta. He could turn his hand to suits, cassocks, brilliant theatrical costumes, and all the day to day repairs and adjustments needed by Salesians and youngsters alike. Shining through everything were his deep piety, ready smile and impish sense of humour.

On his retirement he became one of the founder members of the St Joseph's community for older Salesians in Bolton and he stayed there until his move to Nazareth House, Prestwich, in 2005. He now holds the record for the oldest ever member of the Great Britain province.