Pat and Kay Ticehurst have been recognized for 125 years of service for St.Vincent de Paul and are being celebrated in their Condobolin community for their love and care for those less fortunate.

Events in the Vinnies Shop and Can Assist are proving the community adore the couple.

Pat joined the Society in 1950 from the Marist Brothers College Forbes Junior Conference out of High School.

When he returned home from boarding school, he would make visitations to the hospital with a fellow Vincentian and press clothes for the Mission in a wool press.

As well as general conference activities, Pat also cut rags for the centre two days a week for approximately 30 years.

Pat was awarded Life Membership in 2015 and continues to regularly attend Central West Regional meetings.

Pat said at 89 ’’ Vincentian work has always been very special to me.

"I am so blessed to have been able to be there to assist those in need for so many years and thank God our wonderful, caring Society still exists.’’

He has been with Vinnies for 75 years.

Kay and Pat Ticehurst with some of their biggest fans. [IMAGE St Vincent de Paul]

The former farmer has been married to Kay for 65 years, they have 4 children, 12 grandchildren and 4 great grand children.

"He loves a chat and mixing with people and has always been dedicated loving and caring to family and his community," his wife said.

Kay Ticehurst was recognised for her 50 years of service at the recent National Volunteer Week event and has held many roles including Conference President, Conference Treasurer, Regional President, Central Council Vice President, Twinning Officer, Spiritual Adviser and shop volunteer.

Kay was also awarded Life Membership to St. Vincent De Paul in 2015.

"I have always felt a need to help people to reach their needs at the time. I do love helping people," she told the Western Plains App.

‘’Can Assist and Organ Donor committees keep me busy. Health issues haven’t helped in recent times but you have to go on.

‘’It's just hard to say no."

Mrs Ticehurst says finding volunteers is the biggest problem these days and has forced the Condoblin Vinnies store to close on Tuesdays.

‘’While so many bigger shops closing here there is nowhere to find affordable clothing in town so we and try to fill the gap . Lots of mums come in and it makes a big difference for them.’’

‘’I think helping people is so important and I stress you must listen and no judgement.’’

 Despite her family asking her to slow down, Kay celebrated her 87th birthday on July 1 by going to an interagency meeting in the day and a Can Assist meeting that night.

It is Pat’s birthday on Friday 3 July.