There was a celebration in Thornleigh House Bolton on Tuesday 7th June 2011 to honour Mrs Paulene Whyte and Mrs Julie Tansey, who have each served the Salesians for 25 years.

Fr Charles Garrick, Fr Mervyn Williams, Mrs Paulene Whyte, Mrs Julie Tansey and Fr Hugh Preston

Mrs Paulene Whyte was appointed by Fr Michael Power RIP, then the Provincial Economer, in 1986 to help with the financial administration of the GBR province. She continued working with Fr Power's successors, Fr Charles Garrick and Fr Mervyn Williams, at the Provincial Office in Stockport and now commutes daily to Bolton, where the Provincial Office transferred in November 2006.

Mrs Julie Tansey joined the staff at Thornleigh House in 1986 when Fr Bernard Grogan was Rector and Fr Hugh Douglas RIP was the local Bursar. She continues to serve the community faithfully as cook and housekeeper in Bolton where Fr Hugh Preston now combines the roles of Rector and Bursar.

Both ladies received a medal of Saint John Bosco and a letter sent by the Rector Major, Fr Pascual Chez. They were guests of honour at the community evening meal and were also presented with bouquets of flowers in recognition of the magnificent contribution they have made to the life of the local community and the entire province.