The Salesians of Don Bosco celebrate 100 years of their presence in Bolton later this year.

Thornleigh Salesian College was founded by the Salesians in 1925 in response to their patron, St John Bosco’s missionary call to educate the young, especially the disadvantaged, around the concept of reason, religion and loving kindness.

The Salesian community was established in Thornleigh House with ‘a handful’ of pupils who were boarders in the house. Over the last 100 years the school has grown from strength to strength and is now home to around 1600 pupils and 200 staff with the Salesian Trustees steadfastly remaining at the centre of the mission. The Salesians in Bolton are at the service of the local community through their investment of time, people and resources in Thornleigh Salesian College as well as through the local parish of the Holy Infant and St Anthony.

A Centenary Committee has been established to plan and prepare for the year of celebrations and activities which will launch in September 2025 and we are looking for your support whether you are a member of the school, local community, parish or you are one of the tens of thousands of people who have come through the school either as a student, member of staff, parent / carer or volunteer over the last 100 years.

Maybe you have photos and memories you would like to share with us? Perhaps you can help us to find our oldest living alumni so we can capture their memories. Or maybe you feel it’s time you were acknowledged on our list of notable alumni.

An exciting range of activities will take place to celebrate this important anniversary and there will be opportunities to raise funds for specific projects to mark the centenary. We would be interested to hear about any projects you feel would suitably commemorate this special occasion. Maybe you could put us in touch with a local business that could offer a match funding opportunity.

If you have any ideas and / or would like to be kept informed about the centenary celebrations, events and plans, please email the Centenary Committee at Centenary.Committee@salesians.org.uk

If you would like to be involved in fundraising initiatives and / or to make a donation towards the centenary celebrations please scan the QR code or contact the committee by email at the above email address.

Please get in touch and help us to make this centenary year the best year yet.

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