We may well have been watching Boltoner Danny Jones, a former student of Thornleigh Salesian College, emerging triumphant from the Australian jungle, but in Astley Bridge annually, it’s more like ‘I’m A Pensioner, Get Me In Here!’

Thursday 12th December saw the school play host to its excellent community bash, where youth meets experience, sequins meet school uniforms and fun follows.

Thornleigh holds the community spirit close to its Salesian heart and the annual get together for the ‘young at heart’ is planned to perfection and certainly never disappoints. Leave the bushtucker trials where they belong; this tucker is pure Christmas, with a full roast dinner and fizz served by students and teachers to our willing community members. And it’s not all about the food; this is followed by Bingo, singing, dancing and enjoying the entertaining talents of students of all ages.

The atmosphere never fails to dazzle and, as always, the date is one not to miss if you have the chance of an invite. School charity fundraising and tombola donations from students and teachers alike mean that many leave with their bag a little heavier than when they came and their hearts a lot fuller; in a world where the festive season has become a little too money-focused, the school continues to show Astley Bridge community members- and those from farther afield- the true spirit of Christmas.

A big thank you to Mrs Brett-Andrews, Father Saju and all other staff involved in organising the event.