Former Rockliffe Hall boss Angela Jackson has joined the management team at Newton Aycliffe activity centre ROF 59.
And her appointment has coincided with a cool new attraction just in time for the summer.
Angela, who spent six-and-a-half years as clubhouse manager at the five-star Rockliffe hotel, is the new hospitality manager at ROF 59.
Her first job was to install a new ice cream parlour at the innovative activity and leisure facility on Aycliffe Business Park, which was built on the site of a former World War Two munitions factory, home to the ‘Aycliffe Angels’.
Angela, who’s a fully-qualified chef, has more than 30 years’ experience in the hospitality industry after previously working as golf and events co-ordinator at the exclusive Bearwood Lakes Golf Club, where she’d looked after stars including Seve Ballesteros, Colin Montgomery and Ronnie Corbett during her time.
Originally from West Cornforth in County Durham, Angela had also spent 15 years at Highgate Golf Club in North London after moving away from the North-East when she was just 21.
“I’d always wanted to come back to the region, and I love being back home,” she said.
“I thoroughly enjoyed working at Rockliffe Hall, it’s a fantastic facility with a Championship golf course and one of only 10 Red 5-star hotels in the country.
“They’re very big on customer service and how you deal with people, which is very much my way of thinking.”
Angela is now looking forward to her new role at ROF 59 on Durham Way South, which opened last August after a £1.1m investment, creating 30 new jobs.
“I’m big on standards and customer care that I’m used to at Rockliffe,” added Angela.
“It’s about making sure that everyone who walks through the door should have the best time ever, whether they’re here to have fun or to relax.
“I also want to bring out people’s personalities and to give young people the tools and confidence to do the job to a high standard.
“ROF 59 is a great place, I think the building is fabulous. And the historical concept of the Aycliffe Angels, and what the building stands for, is just amazing.
“To turn something which was built in the 1940s depression into something lively and energetic, it’s buzzing with energy, it’s a great fun place to be.
“Kids’ laughter and excitement is really contagious and that brings out the kids in everyone.”
Business development manager Kim Fryer added: “We’re delighted with the appointment of Angela, she brings with her a wealth of experience in the hospitality industry which I’m sure will bring something a little extra to the overall experience here at ROF 59.”
ROF 59 is a multi-purpose activity centre which includes a trampoline park, climbing walls, a restaurant, bar and function room.
The original ROF 59 munitions factory employed some 17,000 workers, mostly women, between 1941 and 1945 and was an extremely important part of the country’s war effort.
For all ROF 59 enquiries call 01325 728222 or email [email protected]
