One of FCHO’s longest serving employees has retired after nearly 38 years’ service

One of our longest serving employees has retired after nearly 38 years’ service. Leigh Rourke started on the Youth Training Scheme (YTS) just days after leaving school aged 16 in 1987. 

The 55-year-old worked her way around nearly all the departments of FCHO and its predecessor organisation then run by Oldham Council. 

She left FCHO on Friday (November 28) as our lead ICT system development manager. 

Miss Rourke said: "The day after school finished on Friday my dad said to me, 'you can’t sit around here all day', so I started on the Monday on the YTS at the housing department in the council." 

After a few months, she was offered a role as a clerical officer and went on to work as a rent officer, ASB officer, and in lettings, repairs, accounts, and neighbourhoods. 

Around 20 years ago, she moved into ICT, ultimately becoming lead ICT system development manager. 

Miss Rourke said she is now looking forward to retirement and spending more time with her husband and parents, as well as dividing her time between Oldham and her apartment in Turkey. 

She said: "I am looking forward to getting into some hobbies. 

"I have bought a sewing machine, I want to do some reading and I will see where that takes me. 

"I started work at 16 so it is time to try something new." 

Reflecting on changes in the sector, she said: "Computers have changed everything. 

"When I started, we had ledgers in triplicate, filing cabinets, carbon copy papers and we used to deliver rent books in person." 

She said: "I love my job and I love working at FCHO, it's just I want to do other things now. 

"I will miss it but I am opening a new chapter." 

Mark Gifford, chief executive of FCHO, paid tribute to her contribution. 

He said: "Everyone at FCHO wishes Leigh the very best for her retirement. 

"She has been a constant here and a wonderful colleague for so many years. 

"Her knowledge and expertise in the business will be sorely missed."