GOOD wishes have been sent by our readers to Irene McMillan on her retirement from a 23-year-plus career as an administrator at REACT Engineering.

Irene, 62, from Dalry, Ayrshire, moved to Whitehaven in 1987 when her husband Gus took a job with the then UKAEA Constabulary, later to become the Civil Nuclear Constabulary.

This week she retired having been an outstanding ambassador for the Cleator Moor company and part of the fabric of the business and the community.

Managing director Phil Redfern said: “Irene embodies everything that REACT stands for – she is positive, proactive, really cares about what she does, and makes a massive positive difference.

“Irene is the first contact everyone who has worked for REACT over the years has had with the company, including me, and she has always been professional and caring and helps set the tone of what REACT is about.”

Newsquest readers sent their own well wishes. Steve Laughlin said: “Happy retirement Irene.”

Sarah Lucy France said: “Enjoy your retirement, Irene. All the best.”

Mandy Pattinson said: “Aw, happy retirement Irene.”

Kathryn Hardy said: “Special lady. Enjoy your well-deserved retirement Irene! Will miss you.”

Denise Williams said: “Wishing you a health, happy retirement Irene – I’m sure you will be kept busy by a certain gorgeous soon to be one-year-old.”

Irene herself said: “I have loved my time at REACT. It has been a great company to work for and wonderful to see it grow into the very successful business it is today while still retaining that family feel.

“It’s the variety of the work I have enjoyed so much.

“Working with the kids and the schools has been very rewarding.

“All the primary schools and secondary schools in West Cumbria are fabulous and when you see the kids get so excited about some of the programmes and activities we do it is great.”

“In the meantime it will have to be cocktails on the deckchair in the garden!”